Accuracy of EEG reactivity, EEG patterns, and the Glasgow Coma Scale in predicting outcomes of comatose patients with severe head injuries

Abstract

Objective To predict outcomes in comatose patients with severe head injuries (SHI) by comparing EEG reactivity,EEG patterns,and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores.Methods In 55 patients with comatose subsequent to severe head injury,we measured EEG reactivity,EEG patterns,and GCS scores to compare them with the outcomes after one year using the discriminant analysis method.Results EEG reactivity correctly classified 87.3％,EEG patterns classified 78.2％,and GCS allowed a correct classification in only 74.5％,P ＜ 0.05.Conclusion EEG reactivity is an excellent outcome predictor in comatose patients with SHI and superior to EEG patterns and GCS. Key words: Coma, post-head injury; Electroencephalography; Prognosis ; Glasgow Coma Scale