title: A computer system for neurosurgical patient monitoring.
abstract: The variables monitored in intensive care units are generally late indicators of neurologic deterioration. A system based on a LINC-8 computer was therefore developed for on-line monitoring of evoked potentials, electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial and transthoracic impedances as well as conventional parameters. Somatosensory evoked potentials are recorded at either 30 min or 1 h intervals. One minute epochs of EEG are analyzed every 10 min using a peak-detection algorithm. Impedances and conventional parameters are also monitored at 10 min intervals. In a study of 50 patients, the technical feasibility of this type of monitoring with a small laboratory computer has been demonstrated. In some instances, evoked potentials and EEG show changes prior to detectable neurologic changes. The study suggests that this type of monitoring can provide a valuable adjunct for evaluation of physiologic function in neurosurgical intensive care.
mesh_terms: D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D003201:Computers; D003626:Data Display; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D009493:Neurosurgery