Correlation of continuous electroencephalogram with clinical assessment scores in acute stroke patients

To compare electroencephalogram (EEG) symmetry values between stroke patients with different 28-day outcomes, and to assess correlations between clinical characteristics and 28-day outcomes.

Twenty-two patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke and persistent neurological deficits at EEG recording were incrementally included. At 28 days after admission, the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the outcomes, based on which the patients were divided into two a posteriori groups, mRS = 6 and mRS <6. Student's t-test was used to compare these two groups in terms of brain symmetry index (BSI), National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) assessed at admission. Then EEG parameters, NIHSS, GCS and APACHE II were correlated with the mRS.

There were significant differences in BSI, NIHSS, GCS, and APACHE II between the two groups. Survivors had lower BSI, NIHSS and APACHE II, and higher GCS values, compared with patients who died within 28 days after admission. Besides, BSI at admission had a positive correlation with mRS at 28 days (r = 0.441, P = 0.040). NIHSS and APACHE II were also correlated with mRS (r = 0.736, P <0.000 1; r = 0.667, P = 0.001, respectively). GCS at admission had a negative correlation with mRS (r = -0.656, P = 0.001).

A higher BSI predicts a poorer short-term prognosis for stroke patients. Acute EEG monitoring may be of prognostic value for 28-day outcomes. The early prediction of functional outcomes after stroke may enhance clinical management and minimize short-term mortality.