EEG Patterns in Acute Pediatric Encephalopathies

EEG patterns in pediatric encephalopathy are largely nonspecific and may be seen in a wide variety of pathologies. However, EEG can play a valuable role in helping to assess the severity and ultimate prognosis in pediatric encephalopathies. This review article considers three of the most common forms of pediatric encephalopathy encountered in pediatric critically care units, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, central nervous system infections, and metabolic encephalopathies. Because EEG is being used with increasing frequency in critically ill children, the value of EEG monitoring in encephalopathic patients continues to evolve.