Rhythmic mid-Temporal Theta of Drowsiness Activated by Hyperventilation- Uncommon Trigger of a Rare Benign EEG Variant in Pediatrics. An Educational Review

Distinguishing abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) waveforms from benign variants is critical for accurate interpretation of EEG. Hyperventilation (HV) is one of the basic procedures during EEG to enable activation of epileptiform activity. Rarely, HV can activate benign EEG rhythms. Herein, we illustrate two pediatric cases with bursts of rhythmic mid-temporal theta of drowsiness (RMTD), activated by hyperventilation. Continued awareness of this EEG phenomenology and its variations in pediatrics is important in avoiding misdiagnosis of epilepsy.