Effect of microEEG on clinical management and outcomes of emergency department patients with altered mental status: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Altered mental status (AMS) is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). A previous study revealed 78% electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, including nonconvulsive seizure (NCS; 5%), in ED patients with AMS. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of EEG on clinical management and outcomes of ED patients with AMS.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial at two urban teaching hospitals. Adult patients (≥18 years old) with AMS were included. Excluded patients had immediately correctable AMS (e.g., hypoglycemia) or were admitted before enrollment. Patients were randomized to routine care (control) or routine care plus EEG (intervention). Research assistants used a scalp electrode set with a miniature, wireless EEG device (microE

SUBMITTER: Zehtabchi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4047649 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature