Electroencephalographic study of children during ketamine anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Anesthesiology
• Clinical Neurophysiology

Background:

• Ketamine is used for anesthesia in children.
• Its effects on electroencephalogram (EEG) and neurological reflexes require detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize EEG changes during ketamine anesthesia in children.
• To assess the impact of ketamine on neurological reflexes and pre-existing epileptiform activity.

Main Methods:

• EEG recordings were performed during ketamine anesthesia in eight children.
• Neurological examinations, including pharyngeal and corneal reflexes, were conducted.
• Patients included neurologically normal children and those with neurological disorders.

Main Results:

• EEG during ketamine showed alternating high-amplitude delta complexes and fast activity.
• Ketamine did not worsen focal paroxysmal activity or cause seizures in susceptible children.
• One child with subcortical epileptiform activity showed marked potentiation of this activity with ketamine.
• Pharyngeal reflexes were weakened or lost, and corneal reflexes were absent in some children.

Conclusions:

• Ketamine anesthesia induces specific EEG patterns in children.
• Ketamine appears safe regarding seizure provocation but can potentiate existing epileptiform activity.
• Neurological reflexes are significantly affected during ketamine-induced catatonia.