THE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM IN SOME MILITARY AND SELECTIVE SERVICE CONVULSIVE AND NON-CONVULSIVE PROBLEMS

Electroencephalography was performed in 92 military and selective service convulsive and non-convulsive problems. Of 20 subjects with a history of convulsion during military service observed by other than medical personnel, the EEG was abnormal in 10 (50%), doubtful in 2 (10%) and normal in 8 (40%). Of 41 subjects with a self-claimed history of rare convulsions months to years ago, the EEG was abnormal in 18 (43.9%), doubtful in 1 (2.4%) and normal in 22 (53.4%). Of 9 subjects with a history of "fainting attack" in the military service, the EEG was abnormal in 5 (55.6%) and normal in 4 (44.4%) Of 12 subjects with episodes of faintness with retention of consciousness, the EEG was abnormal in 1 (8.3%), doubtful in 1 (8.3%) and normal in 10 (83.4%). Of 10 subjects considered malingerers with vague "nervousness" or vague fainting spells, the EEG was abnormal in none, doubtful in 1 (10%) and normal in 9 (90%). From this study it was concluded that the electroencephalogram was of assisting value in the neuropsychiatric diagnosis of non-convulsive and convulsive problems.