Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor Cerebral Function Monitor to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Cerebral function monitoring on a general paediatric ward: feasibility and potential
Vivek Kalra1, Shahul Sikkander Shaw1, Stacey Dixon2
1Department of Paediatrics, Jenny Lind Children's Hospital, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, NR4 7UY, UK.
Insights
Cerebral function monitoring (CFM) can be effectively used on general paediatric wards for infants with abnormal movements. This method aids in detecting seizures and improving neuro-observations, even outside intensive care settings.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Clinical Neurosciences
Background:
- Cerebral function monitoring (CFM) is established in intensive care for brain function monitoring in neonates, children, and adults.
- Its application beyond intensive care, specifically on general paediatric wards, is under-explored.
- Current use of CFM in general paediatric settings is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the feasibility and utility of cerebral function monitoring on a general paediatric ward.
- To assess the effectiveness of CFM in identifying electrographic seizures in young infants with abnormal movements.
- To survey the current use and availability of CFM and formal electroencephalography (EEG) services in UK paediatric departments.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of amplitude-integrated EEG data from cerebral function monitoring in infants admitted with abnormal movements.
- Survey of 16 regional UK paediatric departments regarding CFM use and EEG service availability.
- Analysis of CFM findings for electrographic seizures.
Main Results:
- Cerebral function monitoring identified electrographic seizures in 4 out of 7 infants monitored on the general paediatric ward.
- CFM is not currently utilized in the surveyed paediatric departments.
- Formal electroencephalography services are very limited for out-of-hours use.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral function monitoring is feasible on a general paediatric ward with appropriate training and support.
- CFM can enhance clinical neuro-observations and aid in detecting clinical seizures in young children on general paediatric wards.
- The study highlights the potential of CFM as a valuable tool for monitoring brain function in non-intensive care settings.
Unlabelled:
Cerebral function monitoring is widely used in neonatal intensive care, but its potential role in assessment of older infants is scarcely reported. We reviewed the use of cerebral function monitoring on a general paediatric ward in a series of young infants admitted with abnormal movements. Review of the amplitude-integrated EEG obtained by cerebral function monitoring revealed electrographic seizures in four of seven infants monitored. We also surveyed general paediatric wards in hospitals in our region of the UK to ask about current use of cerebral function monitoring and local availability of formal electroencephalography services. Cerebral function monitoring was not being used in the 16 other paediatric departments surveyed, and there was very limited provision for obtaining a full-array electroencephalogram out-of-hours.
Conclusion:
With adequate training and education, it is feasible to undertake cerebral function monitoring on a general paediatric ward. Continuous cerebral function monitoring is a tool that has potential use for detecting clinical seizures and augmenting clinical neuro-observations of young children admitted to a general paediatric ward.
What Is Known:
• In intensive care settings, cerebral function monitoring (CFM) has long been used for the continuous bedside monitoring of brain function in critically ill neonates, children and adults. • Very few studies have looked at the use of CFM outside of the intensive care setting, and it is presently unclear if CFM is used in the general paediatric ward. What is new: • CFM is presently not widely used in the general paediatric setting. • With appropriate training and support, CFM can be successfully introduced to the general paediatric ward with the potential to enhance the clinical monitoring of young infants admitted with abnormal movements.
