4.11 Status Epilepticus and EEG

Question 1

give some examples of early stage status epilepticus signs/symptoms

Answer 1

Lactic acidosis
Increased adrenergic output
Cerebral edema

Question 2

give some examples of late stage status epilepticus signs/symptoms

Answer 2

HTN
Resp dipression
Cardiac arrhythmias
Hyperthermia

Question 3

name the 4 basic EEG rhythms

Answer 3

alpha, beta, theta, delta

Question 4

alpha rhythm

Answer 4

8 to 13 Hz

• seen maximally in the occipital leads
• Alpha rhythm is the background feature of the normal awake adult EEG
• Attenuated with eye opening and with drowsiness

Question 5

beta rhythm

Answer 5

12Hz and above

• Background in normal awake patient.
• Increased secondary to medications

Question 6

Theta rhythm

Answer 6

4-7hz

-seen normally in drowsiness

Question 7

Delta rhythm

Answer 7

<4Hz

-normal in deep sleep, abnormal in awake patient

Question 8

what’s the purpose of EEG?

Answer 8

• Insight into brain electrical activity and functionality of the cerebral cortex
• *Aids in diagnosis and localization of seizure activity

Question 9

give some examples of clinical utility of EEG:

Answer 9

1. Classify type of epilepsy
2. Aid in location of seizure origin
3. Stoke vs seizures
4. syncope etiology
5. Aid in confirmation and severity of dementia
6. Brain death

Question 10

List 3 EEG limitations

Answer 10

1. Does not assess entire brain - only cortex and thalamic function
2. Cannot assess entire cortex
3. Routine study - may not detect pathology