What type of electrical activity might indicate a seizure on an EEG?

The presence of spikes and waves on an EEG is a strong indicator of seizure activity. This specific pattern consists of sharp spikes, which represent a sudden increase in neuronal firing, followed by slower wave activity. This combination is frequently associated with various types of seizures, particularly generalized seizures.

In contrast, alpha waves, beta waves, and delta waves are normal brain rhythms associated with different states of consciousness and cognitive functions. Alpha waves are typically seen during relaxed wakefulness, beta waves are associated with active thinking and concentration, and delta waves characterize deep sleep. While these rhythms can show changes in the context of abnormal brain activity, they do not specifically point to seizure activity as effectively as the presence of spikes and waves does.