EEG in the neonatal unit

Neurophysiol Clin. 2015 Mar;45(1):87-95. doi: 10.1016/j.neucli.2014.11.007. Epub 2015 Jan 14.

Abstract

The execution and interpretation of neonatal EEG adheres to strict and specific criteria related to this very early age. In preterm newborns, the dedicated healthcare staff needs to respect EEG indications and chronology of EEG recordings in order to diagnose and manage various pathologies, and use EEG in addition to cerebral imaging. EEG analysis focuses on a global vision of the recording according to the neonate's state of alertness and various age-related patterns. Monitoring of continuous conventional EEG and simplified EEG signal processing can help screen for seizures and monitor the effect of antiepileptic treatment, as well as appreciating changes in EEG background activity, for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. EEG reports should be highly explanatory to meet the expectations of the physician's clinical request.

Keywords: EEG; Newborn; Nouveau-né; Pointes positives rolandiques; Positive rolandic sharp waves; Premature; Prématuré; Signal treatment; Traitement du signal.

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Electroencephalography / methods*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / physiology
  • Seizures / diagnosis*
  • Seizures / physiopathology*