EEG ICU and Continuous EEG Monitoring 4

Question 1

Which EEG pattern in a comatose patient is most associated with nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE)?

Accepted Answer

Rhythmic or periodic discharges evolving in frequency or morphology

Answer

Rhythmic or periodic discharges that evolve in frequency, morphology, or spatial distribution are the hallmark EEG feature of NCSE in critically ill patients.

Question 2

In continuous EEG monitoring, what is the recommended minimum duration of recording to detect the majority of seizures in high-risk ICU patients?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

Studies show that 24 hours of continuous EEG monitoring captures approximately 80–90% of seizures in high-risk ICU patients.

Question 3

A patient post-cardiac arrest shows an EEG with suppression-burst ratio >50% and identical burst morphology across channels. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Severe diffuse cortical injury with poor prognosis

Answer

High suppression-burst ratios with stereotyped bursts in post-cardiac arrest patients indicate severe anoxic brain injury and are associated with poor neurological outcomes.

Question 4

Which quantitative EEG (qEEG) trend is most useful for detecting secondary cerebral ischemia in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients?

Accepted Answer

Relative alpha variability (RAV)

Answer

Relative alpha variability decreases prior to and during delayed cerebral ischemia in SAH patients, making it the most validated qEEG marker for vasospasm detection.

Question 5

When interpreting cEEG in a patient receiving midazolam infusion, which pattern is expected and should not be mistaken for pathology?

Accepted Answer

Diffuse beta activity with spindle-like waveforms

Answer

Benzodiazepines and other sedatives typically produce diffuse beta frequency enhancement that can resemble sleep spindles and is a normal pharmacological effect.

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG ICU and Continuous EEG Monitoring 4