Skip to main content

EEG basic definition

Definitions and Terms

  • ▪  Frequency: The measurement used to categorize several ranges of electrical activity found in the normal and abnormal brain:
    • —Delta: High-amplitude, low-frequency waves seen in sleep
    • —Theta: Low-frequency waves seen in younger children and meditation in adults—may be indicative of pathological activity, such as toxic encephalopathy
    • —Alpha: Higher frequency range seen in relaxation and certain forms of coma
    • —Beta: High frequencies seen during active thinking
  • ▪  Epileptiform discharges: Rhythmic discharges seen focally or diffusely in patients with epilepsy.
  • ▪  Diffuse slowing: Combination of delta and theta frequencies seen in many pathological states—when seen with preserved reactivity to external stimuli (ie, pain, sound); this pattern may have a better prognosis than when responsiveness is absent.
  • ▪  Intermittent rhythmic delta activity: Pathological pattern that can be seen with metabolic, toxic, hypoxic, or other diffuse intracranial diseases.
  • ▪  Burst suppression: High-voltage bursts of activity alternating with background suppression—seen in deep coma and pharmacologically induced coma.
  • ▪  Bispectral index (BIS): A limited form of EEG analysis in which brain electrical activity is indexed to a dimensionless number between 0 and 100, wherein a value of 0 represents the absence of EEG activity and 100 is typical for an awake person—values between 40 and 60 are found in well-anesthetized patients.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters

Clinical experience with power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters in intensive care patients     Introduction In intensive care units (ICU), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) may be an alternative option to standard central venous catheters, particularly in patients with coagulation disorders or at high risk for infection. Some limits of PICCs (such as low flow rates) may be overcome by the use of power-injectable catheters . Method We have retrospectively reviewed all the power injectable PICCs inserted in adult and pediatric patients in the ICU during a 12-month period, focusing on the rate of complications at insertion and during maintenance. Results We have collected 89 power injectable PICCs (in adults and in children), both multiple and single lumen. All insertions were successful. There were no major complications at insertion and no episodes of catheter-related blood stream infection. Non-infective complications ...

The 12 decision making steps for post dural puncture headache treatment

Treatment decision-making algorithm for postdural puncture headache. 1. When diagnosis is made, all patients should receive supportive measures (reassurance, bed rest, analgesics, hydration, quiet environment). 2. Severity of symptoms should be classified using VAS scale (mild 1–3, moderate 4–6, severe 7–10). 3. Virtually all patients will improve in time even without additional therapy. (dashed lines) 4. Symptoms worsen or fail to resolve within 5 days. 5. Patient preference dictates the choice between pharmacologic (less effective) and epidural blood patch (EBP). 6. In patients with severe symptoms, EBP is strongly suggested. 7. The most common pharmacologic measure is  caffeine  prescription. 8. The failure, worsening, or recurrence of symptoms after pharmacologic measures favors the use of EBP. 9. In addition to EBP, other epidural treatment options can be considered in select patients (eg,  dextran , saline). 10. A period of 24 h should lapse before repeating EBP. 11...

Things to Avoid in Anesthesia for Pregnant with Pulmonary hypertension

Anesthesia for Pregnant woman with Pulmonary Hypertension is a real challenge for anesthesiologist. It is very crucial to remember the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in pregnant women and to avoid some practices that will worsen the cardiac status. 1-Avoid single shot spinal anesthesia. Some authorities consider pulmonary hypertension as absolute contraindication for single shot spinal anesthesia specially in patients with NYHA III ,IV. Spinal anesthesia causes major hemodynamic instability(decrease SVR, decrease VR, decrease in CO) The preferred neuroaxial techniques are (epidural anesthesia and CSE with minimal spinal dose) 2-Avoid PAC. Pulmonary Artery catheters insertion may lead to pulmonary artery rupture or thrombosis. TEE is better cardiac monitor/Arteial line is mandatory. 3-Avoid Nitrous oxide in gas mixture.N2O increase the PVR 4-If MV to be started, avoid High TV and PEEP 5-Avoid Oxytocin Boluses, or rapid administration of Pitocin. Oxytocin causes ...