EEG should be performed during induced hypothermia.
Induced hypothermia has improved neurological outcome after cardiac arrest. Even though anoxic insults to the brain often provoke epileptic activity, it is unclear whether EEG monitoring is necessary in these patients. We report the case of a 53-year-old female who suffered cardiac arrest. During induced hypothermia extensive shivering was managed by sedation and curare. After their discontinuation convulsions appeared and status epilepticus was disclosed on EEG recording, and was treated by thiopental infusion for 10 days. The patient recovered slowly and has now regained independent living (CPC 1). In induced hypothermia several factors including the use of curare, may conceal clinical signs of epileptic activity. We therefore suggest a broader use of EEG in these patients.
Hovland
Anders
A
Coronary Care Unit, Medical Department, NLSH Bodo, 8092 Bodo, Norway. a-hovlan@online.no
Nielsen
Erik Waage
EW
Klüver
Jens
J
Salvesen
Rolf
R
D003472:Curare / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012768:Shivering / Q000187:drug effects; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013874:Thiopental / Q000008:administration & dosage
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; D003472:Curare; D013874:Thiopental