Quantitative Continuous EEG: Bridging the Gap Between the ICU Bedside and the EEG Interpreter

Excerpt

Non-convulsive seizures (NCSZs) and non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) are common in critically ill patients and are associated with neurophysiologic disturbances, mortality, and worsened recovery [1‐7]. Continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) is required to detect NCSZs, but at most centers, tracings can only be intermittently reviewed by neurophysiologists a few times per day, primarily during day-time hours [8]. Multi-disciplinary professionals who are at the bedside caring for critically ill patients usually do not have specific proficiency in EEG interpretation, while neurophysiologists infrequently have critical care expertise and commonly interpret cEEG tracings remotely rather than at the bedside. Although a growing number of neurointensivists have at least some EEG training, additional strategies are needed to better integrate cEEG information into patient care and to bridge the gap between bedside providers and neurophysiologists, thereby ensuring that appropriate treatment is delivered in a timely fashion. …