Abstract

We evaluated the diagnostic value of EEG tracings in cases of non-arteriosclerotic symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia (Fahr's syndrome). The group of 41 tracings was composed of probands and patients of a family with hereditary occurrence of the syndrome and other patients where the characteristic calcifications were discovered by chance or in CT screening of persons who had undergone thyroidectomy. The comparison of our EEG results with those presented in the relevant literature yielded no discernable diagnostic value of the investigation. All kinds of alterations of central electrophysiological activity seem possible, at least in our collection, similar to previous findings, but no characteristic EEG pattern associated with Fahr's syndrome was seen. Only a vague correlation of alterations to the age of patient could be surmised, this being, of course, wholly unspecific. Thus psychopathology, neurological data and CT are the prime techniques for diagnosis of Fahr's syndrome, the EEG so far offering only marginal assistance.