Occurrence of epileptiform discharges and sleep during EEG recordings in children after melatonin intake versus sleep-deprivation

Melatonin versus chloral hydrate as the sedating agent in performing electroencephalogram in paediatric patients

“…Our study found higher EEG abnormalities and epileptic discharge detections in the melatonin group. It is consistent with the result of Greta Gustafsson's study which demonstrated melatonin and sleep deprivation have the same occurrence rate of epileptiform discharges in EEGs in children 15 and Mahmoud Rez Ashrafi's work on the comparison between melatonin and chloral hydrate as sedations in sleep EEGs. 16 Anti-epilpetic effects of chloral hydrate have been suggested by case reports describing its use in the treatment of epilepsy.…”

The role of melatonin to attain electroencephalograms in children in a sub-Saharan African setting

“…This study supported that melatonin is effective for attaining sleep EEG recordings in our setting. 86% of the children were achieved stage 2 sleep which is within the range of 75-90% reported in the literature (Table 4) [8,10,[13][14][15][16][17][18] Melatonin has become increasingly popular as a sleep-inducer for both children and adults and has been found to be effective even among children with neurological abnormalities [19][20][21].Among neurophysiology units worldwide, there have been reports of its effectiveness in inducing sleep for EEG and the fact that it does not affect the sleep structure or the epileptiform discharges (Table 4) [8][9][10][16][17][18]22,23].…”

“…70% of these children successfully achieved sleep compared to 88% of those without behavioural or developmental challenges. The reason for this is not quite clear, melatonin is used to achieve sleep in these children [19].However the logistical difficulty of achieving sleep deprivation in this group of children may have contributed [17]. Though, it should be noted that these otherwise complex children remained calm for the duration of the EEG even when they did not sleep.…”

Sleep deprivation and melatonin for inducing sleep in paediatric electroencephalography: a prospective multicentre service evaluation

“…This is a reflection of the different strategies employed in studies. [5][6][7]18 Furthermore, the duration of sleep time may have been affected by factors such as the time available for the test or a real-time clinical judgement on the utility of the examination. We have also included a large age range in our analysis.…”

“…Some studies suggest there is little difference between the two in terms of efficacy, with melatonin as effective as sleep deprivation in achieving sleep and activating epileptiform discharges. 5,6 It is not clear if there is an additive or synergistic effect. 7 Keeping a young child awake can be difficult and cause significant distress and disruption to both child and family and it has been suggested that melatonin may be a more suitable approach in such cases.…”