Abstract
I read the study by Barbella et al.1 with great interest. The authors have put forth an easy to calculate EEG prognostic score, which correlates well with clinical outcome after cardiac arrest. Stimulus-induced rhythmic, periodic, or ictal discharges (SIRPIDS) are commonly seen in the EEGs of these critically ill patients. Their clinical significance and how aggressively they should be treated has been debated vigorously. Functional imaging (SPECT) obtained at the time of SIRPIDS has shown no increase in cerebral blood flow, arguing against treatment as seizures.2 SIRPIDS likely reflect a form of brain reactivity and diffuse epileptogenic potential. Although they may regress on treatment with a benzodiazepine, it is likely that aggressive treatment of these discharges in these patients is not warranted and may even be harmful.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
