Which EEG pattern is commonly associated with seizures?

The pattern commonly associated with seizures is spike and wave discharges. This specific EEG pattern consists of a series of sharp spikes followed by slow waves, which reflect the abnormal electrical activity in the brain during a seizure episode. Spike and wave discharges are especially prevalent in generalized epilepsies, such as absence seizures. These discharges indicate a synchronized firing of neurons, which is a hallmark of seizure activity.

In contrast, slow waves are generally indicative of deep sleep or other non-ictal states rather than seizure activity. Alpha bursts typically represent a relaxed, alert state, and fast beta activity is associated with higher levels of alertness or cognitive engagement, not seizures. Therefore, spike and wave discharges stand out as a key EEG pattern that correlates with the occurrence of seizures, signifying that the brain's electrical activity is disrupted in a way characteristic of seizure events.