Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease: analysis of EEG and evoked potentials under basal conditions and neuroactive drugs

EEG and evoked potential (EP) recordings of a female (aged 70) affected with Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease (JCD) are reported. A comparison of neurophysiological tests under basal conditions and pharmacological stimulation with methylphenidate, diazepam and piracetam was performed. Diazepam and methylphenidate produced a flattening of triphasic complexes and changes in background activity; piracetam did not seem to influence the abnormal brain bioelectrical environment. The authors conclude that EEG and EP abnormalities in JCD can be ascribed to two separate and interacting sources: (1) exaggerated massive excitatory input coming from a deep thalamic pace-maker throughout the diffuse projecting system, and (2) lack of inhibitory intracortical mechanisms.