PLEDs are most likely to be observed in patients with which condition?

The presence of periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) is closely associated with specific types of cerebral pathology. PLEDs are often seen in cases of cerebral embolism because they indicate irritability of the cortex that can occur due to localized brain ischemia resulting from embolic events. This irritability arises when blood flow is compromised, leading to the discharge patterns characteristic of PLEDs.

In the context of cerebral emboli, particularly in situations where there is acute infarction or injury to a specific area of the brain, PLEDs indicate that the brain tissue is being affected in such a way that it is generating abnormal electrical activity. This aligns with the underlying mechanism of PLEDs, which often reflect cortical irritation or dysfunction due to localized damage.

Other conditions, while they may also alter brain function and could potentially lead to various EEG findings, are less specifically associated with the pattern of PLEDs than cerebral embolism. For instance, transient ischemic attacks may not lead to persistent changes in brain electrical activity seen in the acute phase, while subdural hematomas and brain abscesses can also cause EEG changes but are not as specifically linked to PLEDs as cerebral emboli.