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Continuous EEG monitoring in the intensive care unit
1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Background:
Electroencephalography (EEG) is playing an increasingly important role in the management of comatose patients in the intensive care unit.
Methods:
The techniques of EEG monitoring are reviewed. Initially, standard, discontinuous recordings were performed in intensive care units (ICUs). Later, continuous displays of "raw EEG" (CEEG) were used. More recently, the addition of quantitative techniques allowed for more effective reading.
Results And Conclusions:
Applications of continuous EEG to clinical problems are discussed. The most useful role of CEEG appears to be the detection and management of nonconvulsive seizures. There is a need for controlled studies to assess the role for CEEG in neuro-ICUs and general ICUs.