Use of EEG monitoring and management of non-convulsive seizures in critically ill patients: a survey of neurologists.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Continuous EEG monitoring (cEEG) of critically ill patients is frequently utilized to detect non-convulsive seizures (NCS) and status epilepticus (NCSE). The indications for cEEG, as well as when and how to treat NCS, remain unclear. We aimed to describe the current practice of cEEG in critically ill patients to define areas of uncertainty that could aid in designing future research.

Methods

We conducted an international survey of neurologists focused on cEEG utilization and NCS management.

Results

Three-hundred and thirty physicians completed the survey. 83% use cEEG at least once per month and 86% manage NCS at least five times per year. The use of cEEG in patients with altered mental status was common (69%), with higher use if the patient had a prior con

SUBMITTER: Abend NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2944658 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature