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Neurocritical Care
Published in: Neurocritical Care 1/2018

01-08-2018 | Current Concepts

The Ictal–Interictal Continuum: To Treat or Not to Treat (and How)?

Authors: Clio Rubinos, Alexandra S. Reynolds, Jan Claassen

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring is becoming increasingly used in neurologic and non-neurologic intensive care units (ICUs). Non-convulsive seizures (NCSz) and periodic discharges (PDs) are commonly seen in critically ill patients. Some of these PD patterns, also known as the ictal–interictal continuum (IIC), are associated with an increased risk of seizures and poor outcome. However, we do not fully understand the significance of these periodic patterns and the decision of how aggressively to treat remains controversial. IIC patterns are associated with pathophysiologic changes that closely resemble those of seizures. Here we make the argument that, rather than feature description on EEG, associated changes in brain physiology should dictate management choices.
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Metadata
Title
The Ictal–Interictal Continuum: To Treat or Not to Treat (and How)?
Authors
Clio Rubinos
Alexandra S. Reynolds
Jan Claassen
Publication date
01-08-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-017-0477-5

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