Neonatal EEG Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the first step in interpreting a neonatal EEG?
Determine the infant’s gestational age and postmenstrual age (PMA).
What does “discontinuity” on neonatal EEG mean?
Alternating periods of electrical activity and suppression; normal in preterm neonates.
What is “trace alternant”?
A normal quiet sleep pattern in term neonates; alternating high and low voltage activity.
What is “trace discontinue”?
A more immature, discontinuous pattern seen in preterm neonates; longer interburst intervals.
What EEG pattern is characteristic of quiet sleep in term neonates?
Tracé alternant
What are “enchoches frontales”?
Sharp transients seen over the frontal regions during quiet sleep; normal in term neonates.
What does the presence of sleep-wake cycling indicate?
Maturation and integrity of cerebral function.
What EEG pattern is a bad prognostic sign in term neonates?
Burst suppression or low-voltage background.
How do neonatal seizures appear on EEG?
Sudden onset rhythmic discharges that evolve in frequency, morphology, or amplitude.
What artifacts can mimic seizures?
ECG, movement, sucking, and electrode pop artifacts.
What should you always assess in the EEG background?
Continuity, symmetry, synchrony, and reactivity.
What does a continuous EEG background in a preterm infant suggest?
Greater than expected maturity or a possible abnormality.
Why is symmetry important in neonatal EEG?
Asymmetry may suggest focal injury or pathology.
What does lack of sleep cycling on EEG suggest?
Possible encephalopathy or brain injury.
What is a normal EEG voltage in neonates?
Typically 25–50 µV; <10 µV is considered low voltage.
What information do you need to correlate your findings?
Correlate with Clinical Information
• Gestational age, postnatal age, neurologic exam.
• Sedation, hypothermia, metabolic status.
• Imaging and underlying conditions.
