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01-05-2013 | Original Article

Prognostic value of electroencephalography and evoked potentials in the early course of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction

Authors: Lothar Burghaus, Wei-Chi Liu, Christian Dohmen, Walter F. Haupt, Gereon R. Fink, Carsten Eggers

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

Space-occupying brain edema may lead to a malignant course in patients with large middle cerebral artery infarction. Decompressive hemicraniectomy has to be initiated early to prevent further tissue damage. In this retrospective study, we analyzed electroencephalography (EEG) and evoked potentials (EPs), obtained within 24 h after onset of stroke, in 22 patients suffering from a large middle cerebral artery infarction. Our findings indicate a prognostic value of EEG and brainstem auditory EP (BAEP): the absence of delta activity and the presence of theta and fast beta frequencies within EEG-focus predicted a non-malignant course. In contrast, diffuse generalized slowing and slow delta activity in the ischemic hemisphere pointed to a malignant course. Likewise, pathological BAEP were correlated with a malignant course. The coexistence of background slowing and pathological BAEP showed the highest level of significance. In conclusion, our findings implicate an additional early application of electrophysiological methods in stroke patients. EEG and EP deliver useful information to select those patients who develop malignant edema.

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Title: Prognostic value of electroencephalography and evoked potentials in the early course of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction
Authors: Lothar Burghaus
Wei-Chi Liu
Christian Dohmen
Walter F. Haupt
Gereon R. Fink
Carsten Eggers
Publication date: 01-05-2013
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 5/2013
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-012-1102-1

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Prognostic value of electroencephalography and evoked potentials in the early course of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction

Abstract

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