Electroencephalographic arousal pattern in severe alcohol poisoning

Abstract

Parameters dynamics of brain bioelectric activity of 50 patients in alcoholic coma are considered. Patients underwent continuous EEG monitoring from the end of the basic resuscitation to the apparent recovery of consciousness (awakening). The average registration time was 4.5 hours. EEG was recorded in standard derivations using the 10–20 system. The amplitude-frequency indices of spontaneous activity and reactivity are analyzed. Electroencephalographic correlates of cerebral insufficiency in comatose states are distinguished by pronounced polymorphism and high individual variability. Considering these features, “dynamic” parameters should be used as prognostic criteria: spontaneity and variability of the pattern, reactivity during stimulation. The increase in the frequency of bioelectric activity, desynchronization with external stimuli may indicate the beginning of the process of recovery of consciousness. Electrophysiological criteria for awakening, developed in this work on the example of alcoholic coma, can be mostly applicable to unconscious states caused by other etiological factors: trauma, hypoxia, vascular failure.