Correlation between EEG during AED withdrawal and epilepsy recurrence: a meta-analysis.

To assess the risk of epilepsy recurrence after withdrawal from antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), researchers extensively studied recurrence-related risk factors, including electroencephalogram (EEG) during AED withdrawal. The relationship between EEG and epilepsy recurrence is controversial. We used meta-analysis to determine the correlation between EEG during AED withdrawal and epilepsy recurrence. A total of seven studies met the criteria for inclusion. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to conduct the research quality evaluation. Seven hundred three patients were included in meta-analysis. Patients with abnormal EEGs during withdrawal had a higher recurrence rate than patients with normal EEGs. Abnormal EEGs during withdrawal were a risk factor for recurrence.