Which EEG variant might be mistaken for epileptiform activity in adults aged 50 and older?

SREDA, or Scalp-Referred Epileptiform Discharges of Aging, is a variant that can indeed be mistaken for epileptiform activity in adults aged 50 and older. This phenomenon occurs due to changes in the brain associated with aging, leading to the presence of abnormal discharges that may appear similar to epileptic spikes or sharp waves observed in typical epileptic activity. The misinterpretation can occur because the SREDA can present as intermittent bursts of activity that are not associated with seizures but may mimic the pattern seen in epileptiform discharges.

Understanding SREDA is essential in the context of EEG interpretation, especially in older populations, to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures or treatments for epilepsy when the observed phenomena are benign and related to normal aging processes. Recognizing the differences between SREDA and true epileptiform activity allows for more accurate diagnoses and better patient management.