Clinical Application of Evoked EEG Responses in Infants. III: Congenital Hypothyroidism

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Abstract
Previous studies have shown a close relationship between maturation of the CNS and development of evoked EEG responses. In this study, 13 infants with congenital hyperthyroidism were examined between the ages of 1 wk and 17 mo. in an attempt to evaluate the degree of developmental retardation and the influence of hormonal treatment. Visual evoked responses were abnormal in 12 of the patients, the most common abnormality being an immature abnormal response pattern. Latency was increased significantly in 10 of the 11 patients who were diagnosed before the age of 6 mo., but was normal in the remaining two who were diagnosed later. A significant reduction of photic driving occurred in only 2 patients; it was the sole abnormality in 1. Both the response pattern and latency became normal during treatment. Recording visual evoked responses is a simple and useful method of evaluating cerebral function in congenital hypothyroidism, both before and during treatment.