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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2005, 07, 1 (pages: 19 - 30)

Clinical significance of electroencephalographic abnormalities in heroin addicts: Systematic review

Polunina A. G., Davydov D. M., Briun E. A.

Summary: The present review is the result of a systematic attempt to collect and analyze all the available contemporary data on neurological and psychophysiological aspects of EEG changes in heroin addicts. These data offer valuable objective insights into clinically significant encephalopathic and/or disintegrative processes in these patients. Thirteen computer EEG studies published since 1995 have been analyzed. It can be concluded that the sensitivity of computer EEGs to heroin-induced brain alterations is comparable with other contemporary neuroimaging techniques. In any case, precise recommendations for their use in regular medical practice must await further extensive research in this field.