Amplitude-integrated electro-encephalography: the child neurologist's perspective

J Child Neurol. 2013 Oct;28(10):1342-50. doi: 10.1177/0883073813488663. Epub 2013 May 20.

Abstract

Neurologists increasingly recognize that critically ill patients are at high risk for seizures, particularly nonconvulsive seizures, and that neuromonitoring is a useful tool for diagnosing seizures and assessing brain function in these patients. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (EEG) is a simplified bedside neurophysiology tool that has become widely used in neonates over the past decade. Despite widespread interest by both neurologists and neonatologists in continuous brain monitoring, amplitude-integrated EEG has been largely ignored by neurologists, forcing neonatologists to "go it alone" when interpreting data from this bedside tool. Although amplitude-integrated EEG cannot replace conventional EEG for background monitoring and detection of seizures, it remains a useful instrument that complements conventional EEG, is being widely adopted by neonatologists, and should be supported by neonatal neurologists.

Keywords: electroencephalogram; epilepsy; hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; neonatal seizures; neurocritical; neurointensive care; seizure; status epilepticus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography / instrumentation
  • Electroencephalography / methods*
  • Humans
  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Seizures / diagnosis*
  • Seizures / physiopathology