Transient drug-induced abolition of BAEPs in coma.
Combined infusion of high doses of lidocaine and thiopental in a comatose patient induced major latency and amplitude BAEP changes, which progressed to complete BAEP abolition. Responses returned to normal after drugs were discontinued. EEGs during the episodes showed long-lasting periods of activity suppression, but were never isoelectric. BAEPs are resistant to hypothermia and barbiturates, but must be interpreted cautiously in patients treated with a combination of anesthetic drugs that includes lidocaine.
García-Larrea
L
L
EEG Department, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon, France.
Artru
F
F
Bertrand
O
O
Pernier
J
J
Mauguière
F
F
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000503:physiopathology; D003128:Coma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013874:Thiopental / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D008012:Lidocaine; D013874:Thiopental