PLEDs is an acronym which stands for periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges. What it means when translated is that the brain is experiencing abnormal electrical activity on one side. This electrical activity is picked up on the electroencephalogram (EEG), a standard diagnostic study to assess brain function. The EEG is especially valuable in the investigation of patients with known or suspected seizures. PLEDs are often caused or seen in acute ischemic stroke, tumors, hemorrhages or infection.