CONTINUOUS EEG MONITORING IN THE INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) is playing an increasingly im portant role in the management of comatose patients in the intensive c are unit, Methods: The techniques of EEC monitoring are reviewed, Init ially, standard, discontinuous recordings were performed in intensive care units (ICUs). Later. continuous displays of ''raw EEG'' (CEEG) we re used. More recently, the addition of quantitative techniques allowe d for more effective reading, Results and Conclusions: Applications of continuous EEG to clinical problems are discussed. The most useful ro le of CEEG appears to be the detection and management of nonconvulsive seizures, There is a need for controlled studies to assess the role f or CEEG in neuro-ICUs and general ICUs.