EEG Recordings In Children Research Articles

Assessing the Yield of Reduced Duration-EEG Recordings in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction An EEG is an important tool in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. Performing an EEG on children can be challenging due to their tendency to not cooperate for the recommended duration. We aim to optimize the duration of EEG recording in children by finding the optimal duration of recording. Materials and methods A single-center prospective observational study was done after appropriate ethical clearance. Children aged 0-14 were recruited and examined, and the recommended EEG was done. Data were collected and analyzed. Results Of the 112 EEGs analyzed, 29 EEGs were normal, i.e., no diagnostic anomaly was noticed. In the remaining 83 EEGs, if the duration of the EEG was reduced to 20 minutes, it resulted in missing the diagnostic anomaly in 20 cases (24.1%; 95% CI: 11.2%-26.2%). Reducing the duration of the EEG recording to 10 minutes resulted in missing 63 of the diagnostic anomalies (75.9%; 95% CI: 46.6%-65.6%). Of the 86 drug-inducedEEGs, 22 were normal (25.6%; 95% CI: 16.8%-36.1%). Of the 24 routine EEGs, seven were normal (29.2%; 95% CI: 12.6%-51.1%). Of the two sleep-deprived EEGs, neither was normal (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0%-84.1%). Conclusion In our study, we observed that optimization of the duration ofEEG recording can be done to 20 minutes in all populations. We also observed that if we find a diagnostic abnormality early during EEG recording, then continuation of the EEG may not be necessary to make a valid report. Having said so, having a negative EEG may not necessarily rule out a diagnosis. We did not find the superiority of any of the EEG protocols over others, as their yield was comparable.

Detection of short-lasting and ictal spike-and-wave discharges in around-the-ears EEG recordings in children with absence epilepsy

PurposeLong-term ambulatory EEG recordings can improve the monitoring of absence epilepsy in children, but signal quality and increased review workload are a concern. We evaluated the feasibility of around-the-ears EEG arrays (cEEGrids) to capture 3-Hz short-lasting and ictal spike-and-wave discharges and assessed the performance of automated detection software in cEEGrids data. We compared patterns of bilateral synchronisation between short-lasting and ictal spike-and-wave discharges. MethodsWe recruited children with suspected generalised epilepsy undergoing routine video-EEG monitoring and performed simultaneous cEEGrids recordings. We used ASSYST software to detect short-lasting 3-Hz spike-and-wave discharges (1–3 s) and ictal spike-and-wave discharges in the cEEGrids data. We assessed data quality and sensitivity of cEEGrids for spike-and-wave discharges in routine EEG. We determined the sensitivity and false detection rate for automated spike-and-wave discharge detection in cEEGrids data. We compared bihemispheric synchrony across the onset of short-lasting and ictal spike-and-wave discharges using the mean phase coherence in the 2–4 Hz frequency band. ResultsWe included nine children with absence epilepsy (median age = 11 y, range 8–15 y, nine females) and recorded 4 h and 27 min of cEEGrids data. The recordings from seven participants were suitable for quantitative analysis, containing 82 spike-and-wave discharges. The cEEGrids captured 58 % of all spike-and-wave discharges (median individual sensitivity: 100 %, range: 47–100 %). ASSYST detected 82 % of all spike-and-wave discharges (median: 100 %, range: 41–100 %) with a false detection rate of 48/h (median: 6/h, range: 0–154/h). The mean phase coherence significantly increased during short-lasting and ictal spike-and-wave discharges in the 500-ms pre-onset to 1-s post-onset interval. ConclusionscEEGrids are of variable quality for monitoring spike-and-wave discharges in children with absence epilepsy. ASSYST could facilitate the detection of short-lasting and ictal spike-and-wave discharges with clear periodic structures but with low specificity. A similar course of bihemispheric synchrony between short-lasting and ictal spike-and-wave discharges indicates that cortico-thalamic driving may be relevant for both types of spike-and-wave discharges.

Melatonin vs. dexmedetomidine for sleep induction in children before electroencephalography.

In children requiring electroencephalography (EEG), sleep recording can provide crucial information. As EEG recordings during spontaneous sleep are not always possible, pharmacological sleep-inducing agents are sometimes required. The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of melatonin (Mel) and dexmedetomidine (Dex; intranasal and sublingual application) for sleep induction prior to EEG. In this prospective randomized study, 156 consecutive patients aged 1-19 years were enrolled and randomized by draw into melatonin group (Mel; n = 54; dose: 0.1 mg/kg), dexmedetomidine (Dex) sublingual group (DexL; n = 51; dose: 3 mcg/kg) or dexmedetomidine intranasal group (DexN; n = 51; dose: 3 mcg/kg). We compared the groups in several parameters regarding efficacy and safety and also carried out a separate analysis for a subgroup of patients with complex behavioral problems. Sleep was achieved in 93.6% of participants after the first application of the drug and in 99.4% after the application of another if needed. Mel was effective as the first drug in 83.3% and Dex in 99.0% (p < 0.001); in the subgroup of patients with complex developmental problems Mel was effective in 73.4% and Dex in 100% (p < 0.001). The patients fell asleep faster after intranasal application of Dex than after sublingual application (p = 0.006). None of the patients had respiratory depression, bradycardia, desaturation, or hypotension. Mel and Dex are both safe for sleep induction prior to EEG recording in children. Dex is more effective compared to Mel in inducing sleep, also in the subgroup of children with complex behavioral problems. Dexmedetomidine and Melatonin for Sleep Induction for EEG in Children, NCT04665453.

Methods for Extended Sleep EEG Recording in Autism: A Sleep Deprivation–Based, Natural Sleep–Recording Protocol and Feasibility Study

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used to research individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such individuals are known to have a higher prevalence of EEG abnormalities and seizures. Extended EEG recordings, particularly those including sleep, are known to significantly improve the yield of these abnormalities. However, obtaining extended sleep recordings without sedation in autistic individuals is challenging. This study explores practical and feasible protocols for recording EEG in awake and sleep states in children and adolescents with ASD. Methods: Extended EEG recordings using detailed sleep deprivation and recording protocol were done. Results: 132 children and adolescents with ASD and sleep deprivation completed extended EEG recording in natural sleep. Only nine autistic children required melatonin along with sleep deprivation. Conclusions: Extended EEG recording can be achieved by following a rigorous sleep deprivation protocol that is customized, along with providing an autism-friendly recording room environment. This is important in identifying and increasing the yield of epileptiform discharges. We also propose technical guidelines and considerations for EEG recording in children and adolescents with ASD.

Melatonin versus chloral hydrate on sleep induction for recording electroencephalography in children: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) plays an essential role in the diagnosis of seizures. EEG recording in children is done with partial sleep deprivation and sedative drugs. To compare the effectiveness of melatonin and chloral hydrate on sleep induction and EEG recording in children. Materials and methods: In a parallel blinded randomized clinical trial study, 78 patients (6 months–5 years) were included to record EEG. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive melatonin (0.4 mg/kg) or chloral hydrate (0.5 ml/kg). After receiving the sedative drug, the start and duration of sedation, recovery time, side effects, and epileptiform waves in the EEG were recorded. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16, and the significance level was determined to be less than 0.05. Results: A total of 78 children, including 34 girls (43.6%) and 44 boys (56.4%) (average age of 27.15±17.15 months), were examined. Success in the induction of sedation was reported by melatonin in 36 patients (92%) and chloral hydrate in 37 patients (95%), which was similar between the two drugs (P=0.5). The start time (P=0.134) and the duration of sedation (P=0.408) were alike between the two drugs. However, compared to the chloral hydrate, the recovery time in the melatonin group was significantly shorter (P&lt;0.001). Side effects were not seen in melatonin, while six children (15%) using chloral hydrate had mild side effects (P=0.013). Epileptiform waves in EEGs were reported to be similar and positive for melatonin in 18 children (50%) and chloral hydrate in 16 children (43%) (P=0.410). Conclusion: The findings show that using melatonin in the dose prescribed in this study had similar effects to success in inducing sedation with the minimum quantity of chloral hydrate. Regardless of the start time and duration of sedation, the shorter recovery time and the absence of side effects are the advantages of using melatonin.

EEG Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis in a Cohort of Preschool Children.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can be associated with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy (E). The etiology and the pathogenesis of this disorder is in most cases still to be clarified. Several studies have underlined that the EEG recordings in children with these clinical pictures are abnormal, however the precise frequency of these abnormalities and their relationship with the pathogenic mechanisms and in particular with epileptic seizures are still unknown. We retrospectively reviewed 292 routine polysomnographic EEG tracings of preschool children (age < 6 years) who had received a first multidisciplinary diagnosis of ASD according to DSM-5 clinical criteria. Children (mean age: 34.6 months) were diagnosed at IRCCS E. Medea (Bosisio Parini, Italy). We evaluated: the background activity during wakefulness and sleep, the presence and the characteristics (focal or diffuse) of the slow-waves abnormalities and the interictal epileptiform discharges. In 78.0% of cases the EEG recordings were found to be abnormal, particularly during sleep. Paroxysmal slowing and epileptiform abnormalities were found in the 28.4% of the subjects, confirming the high percentage of abnormal polysomnographic EEG recordings in children with ASD. These alterations seem to be more correlated with the characteristics of the underlying pathology than with intellectual disability and epilepsy. In particular, we underline the possible significance of the prevalence of EEG abnormalities during sleep. Moreover, we analyzed the possibility that EEG data reduces the ASD clinical heterogeneity and suggests the exams to be carried out to clarify the etiology of the disorder.

0324 Effect of Sleep Restriction on Sleep Electroencephalogram Waveforms in Adolescents

Abstract Introduction Over the past 18 years, our laboratory has been carrying out longitudinal studies of sleep and sleep need across adolescence. Our current study uses a dose-response design to examine daytime performance and sleep EEG after varied sleep durations. Here we present results for 1-30 Hz EEG power in NREM and REM sleep. Methods Home EEG recording in children 10-16 years old (N=77, mean age = 13.2). Adhering to their habitual rise time participants kept an assigned TIB schedule of 7, 8.5, or 10 hours for four consecutive nights. Participants completed all three conditions each year of the 3 year study. EEG recordings from the fourth night of each condition were scored and analyzed with FFT. Results Reducing TIB from 10 to 7 hours effectively decreased total sleep time (TST) from an average of 531 min to an average of 407 min. Decreasing TIB (from 10 to 7 h) produced a small increase (4.6%, p=0.0004) in delta (1-4 Hz) power and a larger decrease (9.0%, p=0.0032) in alpha (8-11 Hz) power in the first 5 h of NREM sleep. In REM periods 2 and 3, the same TIB reduction also increased (12.1%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) delta power and decreased (14.2%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) alpha power. Decreasing TIB reduced (11%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) sigma (11-15 Hz) power in the first 5h of NREM sleep and reduced (28%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) all night NREM sigma energy. Conclusion Reducing TST changes EEG power in several frequency bands. The increase in NREM delta power, expected from homeostatic models, may be too small to be biologically significant. The larger loss of sigma power may be of greater consequence. Sigma frequency activity is an indicator of sleep spindles which have been affected in aging, learning, memory and psychopathology. The sigma response to sleep restriction could be used to study these relations. Support PHS grant R01 HL116490 supported this work.

Clonidine Versus Chloral Hydrate for Recording Sleep EEG in Children.

One of the difficulties to conduct electroencephalography (EEG) in pediatric patient population is that they are not always cooperative during the procedure. Different medications are used to induce sedation during EEG recording. In order to find a medication with the least adverse effects and high efficacy, the current study aimed at comparing clonidine and chloral hydrate as a premedication prior to EEG recording in pediatric population. A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial was conducted on 198 children (9 to 156 months old) to investigate the sedative and adverse effects of clonidine and chloral hydrate. Patients, partially sleep-deprived the night before, were randomly divided into two groups of clonidine (n=100) and chloral hydrate (n=98) on an alternative day basis. The average sleep onset latency was significantly longer in the clonidine group than chloral hydrate group (the Mann-Whitney test, p <0.0001). Sleep duration ranged 15 to 150 minutes and it was not significantly different between the two groups (the Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.2). Drowsiness terminated faster with chloral hydrate than clonidine.Drowsiness after arousal was observed in 58% and 26.1% of patients in the clonidine and chloral hydrate groups, respectively; the difference between the groups was significant (the Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.058). EEG results were reported normal in 77 subjects in the chloral hydrate group (77%) and 69 subjects (69%) in the clonidine group (p = 0.161). Generalized epileptiform discharges were significant in the clonidine group (the Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.006). The results of the current study showed that both 5% chloral hydrate (1 mL/kg) and clonidine (4 μg/kg) could be administered as a premedication prior to EEG recording in children, although drowsiness after arousal was higher with clonidine than chloral hydrate. However, the yield of generalized epileptiform discharges in the clonidine group was greater than that of the chloral hydrate group.

S4-2. Tips from clinical technologists: suitable positioning of electrodes for the intracranial EEG recording in children with epilepsy

S4-2. Tips from clinical technologists: suitable positioning of electrodes for the intracranial EEG recording in children with epilepsy

The role of EEG recordings in children undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease.

Neurological dysfunction may occur after corrective cardiac surgery using cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) with or without circulatory arrest. Different neurophysiological monitoring systems have been employed to detect neurological complications and possible brain injury in infants and children during and after cardiac surgery. The value of Elecetroencephalogram (EEG) in infants and children at risk for neurological sequelae has not been systematically studied. Sequential performance of two EEGs before and after cardiac surgery at atertiary University Hospital to screen for possible brain injury after cardiac surgery in neonates and children undergoing CPB surgery. In addition, acomplete neurological examination and assessment by aphysiotherapist was performed. Over a4-year period, in 313patients (age: 54.2± 55.7months; normal initial EEG) after cardiac surgery CPB (duration of surgery: 146.0± 58.9 min; aortic cross clamp time: 34.1± 19.1 min), a19-channel EEG recording was performed 2.4± 1.8days prior to and 11.6± 5.3days after cardiac surgery. An abnormal EEG was detected in only 8 of 313patients (2.5%; focal slowing:1, generalised slowing:5, epiletiform discharges:2) after cardiac surgery, while the EEG was normal in the remaining 305patients (97.5%). In 1patient, an intra-cerebral pathology was seen on MRI (ischemic); in 5patients, follow-up EEGs were performed, which revealed normalized findings. None of the 8patients demonstrated new focal neurological deficits on physical examination, but 33(9.7%) children demonstrated minor abnormalities (e.g., subtle motor asymmetry, increase in muscle tone, etc.), which were unrelated to abnormal EEG findings. According to the used protocol, pathological EEG findings were very infrequent in our study cohort. The routine and indiscriminative recording of EEGs in children before and after corrective or palliative cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease using CPB is not recommended. Further intra-operative neuromonitoring methods with immediate intervention should be evaluated.

Zjawisko fotowrażliwości u dzieci i młodzieży z napięciowymi bólami głowy – jego objawy i sposoby zapobiegania. Doświadczenia własne

BackgroundEEG is one of the basic tests in neurological diagnostics. Photostimulation trial is considered to play an important role during the test. It bases on applying an intermittent light stimulus with the use of a stroboscopic lamp. The occurrence of EEG changes in response to photostimulation is called photosensitivity. AimEvaluation of the efficacy of a photostimulation trial in the activation of paroxysmal changes in EEG recordings in children and adolescents with tension headaches. The study also aimed to evaluate an influence of the use of glasses with Z1 lenses (Italian blue) on the reduction of the photosensitivity. Material and methodsThe analysis included 51 patients with tension headaches aged 5–18 years – 12 boys (23%) and 39 girls (76%) diagnosed with photosensitivity of I, II, III or IV type. All patients underwent EEG examination in accordance with medical indications (tension headaches). After the registration of a photosensitivity, in the course of the same study, the EEG recording was repeated with the use of glasses equipped with Z1 filter lenses. ResultsA complete or partial disappearance, or the reduction at least by half of a period or an amplitude of discharges with Z1 filter glasses compared to baseline examination was considered the criterion of an effectiveness of Italian blue lenses. A positive response was achieved in 41 patients (80%). Complete resolution of discharges was achieved in 26 patients (50%) and partial reduction was observed in 15 patients (29%). Ten patients did not respond to Z1 lenses. ConclusionThe use of Italian blue lenses allows to improve EEG recordings in a large percentage of pediatric patients with tension headaches. The use of Z1 lenses can be considered an effective alternative in the reduction adverse effects of the photosensitivity in children and adolescents.

Feasibility of sleep-deprived EEG in children.

Non-sedated EEG recording in children can be technically challenging, particularly when behavioral disorders are present. We aimed to assess the feasibility and the efficacy of non-sedated sleep-deprived EEG in children with behavioral disorders and in young children. We retrospectively reviewed the EEG recordings and computerized medical records of all pediatric inpatients at least 2-month-old that had a sleep-deprived EEG during a 5-year period between 2009 and 2014. We present the data of 261 children, 142 (54%) boys, mean age 7.9±4.9 years, 67 (26%) aged 0.5-4 years. Behavioral disorders were reported in 38 (15%) of the patients. Mean recording duration was 50.8±12.5min, and mean sleep duration- 31.8±15.2min. Thirty-seven (14%) patients slept less than 15min during the EEG, including 19 (7%) patients with no sleep during the recording. Sleep duration and the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges did not significantly differ between children with/without behavioral disorders and in those younger/older than 4 years. Patients that did not fall asleep during the EEG did not differ from the others regarding presence of behavioral disorders or age. These results suggest that non-sedated sleep-deprived EEG is feasible in young children and in those with behavioral disorders. Further studies are needed in order to better characterize the etiologies of sleepless pediatric sleep-deprived EEG recordings.

The role of EEG recordings in children undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease.

Neurological dysfunction may occur after corrective cardiac surgery using cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) with or without circulatory arrest. Different neurophysiological monitoring systems have been employed to detect neurological complications and possible brain injury in infants and children during and after cardiac surgery. The value of EEG in infants and children at risk for neurological sequelae has not been systematically studied. Sequential performance of 2 EEGs before and after cardiac surgery at a tertiary University Hospital to screen for possible brain injury after cardiac surgery. In addition, a complete neurological examination was performed. In 313 patients (age: 54.2±55.7 months; normal initial EEG) after cardiac surgery CPB (duration of surgery: 146.0±58.9 minutes; aortic cross clamp time: 34.1±19.1 minutes) a 19-channel EEG recording was performed 2.4±1.8 days prior and 11.6±5.3 days after cardiac surgery. An abnormal EEG was detected in only 8 of 313 patients (2.5%; focal slowing(1), generalised slowing (5), epiletiform discharges(2)) after cardiac surgery, while the EEG was normal in the remaining 305 patients (97.5%). In one patient, an intra-cerebral pathology was seen on MRI (ischemic); in 5 patients follow-up EEGs were performed, which revealed normalised findings. None of the 8 patients demonstrated new focal neurological deficits on physical examination, but 33 (9.7%) children demonstrated minor abnormalities (eg, subtle motor asymmetry, increase in muscle tone, etc.), which were unrelated to abnormal EEG findings. According to the used protocol pathological EEG findings were very infrequent in our study cohort. The routine and indiscriminative recording of EEGs in children before and after corrective or palliative cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease using CPB is not recommended. Further intra-operative neuromonitoring methods with immediate intervention should be evaluated.

Occurrence of epileptiform discharges and sleep during EEG recordings in children after melatonin intake versus sleep-deprivation

ObjectiveTo determine if melatonin is equally efficient as partial sleep deprivation in inducing sleep without interfering with epileptiform discharges in EEG recordings in children 1–16years old. MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 129 EEGs recorded after melatonin intake and 113 EEGs recorded after partial sleep deprivation. Comparisons were made concerning occurrence of epileptiform discharges, the number of children who fell asleep and the technical quality of EEG recordings. Comparison between different age groups was also made. ResultsNo significant differences were found regarding occurrence of epileptiform discharges (33% after melatonin intake, 36% after sleep deprivation), or proportion of unsuccessful EEGs (8% and 10%, respectively). Melatonin and sleep deprivation were equally efficient in inducing sleep (70% in both groups). Significantly more children aged 1–4years obtained sleep after melatonin intake in comparison to sleep deprivation (82% vs. 58%, p⩽0.01), and in comparison to older children with melatonin induced sleep (58–67%, p⩽0.05). Sleep deprived children 9–12years old had higher percentage of epileptiform discharges (62%, p⩽0.05) compared to younger sleep deprived children. ConclusionMelatonin is equally efficient as partial sleep deprivation to induce sleep and does not affect the occurrence of epileptiform discharges in the EEG recording. Sleep deprivation could still be preferable in older children as melatonin probably has less sleep inducing effect. SignificanceMelatonin induced sleep have advantages, especially in younger children as they fall asleep easier than after sleep deprivation. The procedure is easier for the parents than keeping a young child awake for half the night.

Cortical Source Analysis of High-Density EEG Recordings in Children

EEG is traditionally described as a neuroimaging technique with high temporal and low spatial resolution. Recent advances in biophysical modelling and signal processing make it possible to exploit information from other imaging modalities like structural MRI that provide high spatial resolution to overcome this constraint1. This is especially useful for investigations that require high resolution in the temporal as well as spatial domain. In addition, due to the easy application and low cost of EEG recordings, EEG is often the method of choice when working with populations, such as young children, that do not tolerate functional MRI scans well. However, in order to investigate which neural substrates are involved, anatomical information from structural MRI is still needed. Most EEG analysis packages work with standard head models that are based on adult anatomy. The accuracy of these models when used for children is limited2, because the composition and spatial configuration of head tissues changes dramatically over development3. In the present paper, we provide an overview of our recent work in utilizing head models based on individual structural MRI scans or age specific head models to reconstruct the cortical generators of high density EEG. This article describes how EEG recordings are acquired, processed, and analyzed with pediatric populations at the London Baby Lab, including laboratory setup, task design, EEG preprocessing, MRI processing, and EEG channel level and source analysis.

Cortical source analysis of high-density EEG recordings in children.

EEG is traditionally described as a neuroimaging technique with high temporal and low spatial resolution. Recent advances in biophysical modelling and signal processing make it possible to exploit information from other imaging modalities like structural MRI that provide high spatial resolution to overcome this constraint. This is especially useful for investigations that require high resolution in the temporal as well as spatial domain. In addition, due to the easy application and low cost of EEG recordings, EEG is often the method of choice when working with populations, such as young children, that do not tolerate functional MRI scans well. However, in order to investigate which neural substrates are involved, anatomical information from structural MRI is still needed. Most EEG analysis packages work with standard head models that are based on adult anatomy. The accuracy of these models when used for children is limited, because the composition and spatial configuration of head tissues changes dramatically over development. In the present paper, we provide an overview of our recent work in utilizing head models based on individual structural MRI scans or age specific head models to reconstruct the cortical generators of high density EEG. This article describes how EEG recordings are acquired, processed, and analyzed with pediatric populations at the London Baby Lab, including laboratory setup, task design, EEG preprocessing, MRI processing, and EEG channel level and source analysis.

Sleep Inducing for EEG Recording in Children: A Comparison between Oral Midazolam and Chloral Hydrate.

Electroencephalography (EEG) recording is a long duration procedure that needs patient's cooperation for device setup and performing the procedure. Many children lose their cooperation during this procedure. Therefore, sedation and sleep are frequently induced using a few agents as pre procedure medication in children before EEG recording. We aimed to compare the sedative effects of oral midazolam versus chloral hydrate before the procedure along with their impacts on EEG recording in children. A randomized trial was carried out to compare the sedative effects of oral midazolam versus chloral hydrate and their impacts on EEG recording in children. A total of 198 children (100 in the midazolam group and 98 in the chloral hydrate group) were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated to receive either oral moidazolam or chloral hydrate. Oral midazolam had superiority neither in sleep onset latency nor in sleep duration when compared to chloral hydrate. Moreover, the yield of epileptiform discharges in the chloral hydrate group was more than the midazolam group. The results of this study showed that both chloral hydrate 5% (one ml/kg) and oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) could be administered as a pre medication agent for EEG recording in children. However, oral midazolam at this dose had no advantage compared with chloral hydrate.

Movement analysis and EEG recordings in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Impaired hand function is often the most disabling symptom in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Literature provides a wide number of studies dealing either with the kinematics or the cerebral correlates of the impairment. Nevertheless, few studies exist merging both aspects together. The aim of this study is the integrated analyses of time and spatial parameters of both the affected and less-affected sides and of the EEG signal, recorded during the movement execution, for the quantitative description of the pointing gesture in children with CP. The participants (pathological and control subjects) were asked to execute a pointing task simultaneously with the recording by an optoelectronic system and an electroencephalographer. Kinematic data were processed for the extraction of several synthetic indexes, to be correlated with parameters derived from frequency analysis of the electroencephalographic signal. Kinematic results showed statistical differences (1) between the affected and the less-affected arms in patients and (2) between the less-affected arm in patients and the normal arm in controls. Further differences were found in kinematics with respect to bilateral or ipsilateral motor control, extracted from EEG. Given the different behavior evidenced by either ipsilateral or contralateral reorganization, and considering the role of feedback and feed-forward contributions to motor programming, some hypotheses emerged about the motor control during pointing task in CP.

The role of electroencephalogram in childhood neurological disorders

The aim of this study was to obtain a baseline for clinical application of electroencephalography (EEG) in children and to evaluate the EEG findings in children with various acute and chronic central nervous system disorders and nonepileptic events. EEG records of 250 patients were studied in Neurophysiology Departments of Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Hospital for Children in Jordan. For each patient who had undergone EEG the following data were recorded: age, sex, source of referral (inpatient or outpatient department), reason for EEG, diagnostic impressions, clinical presentation, the result of the EEG examinations and clinical correlation between the seizure type and EEG finding. Males (55%) were slightly outnumbered than females. The majority of cases were between 6-12 years. Total of 63.2% of all referrals for EEG were from outpatient clinics while inpatients accounted for 36.8% of referred cases, with Pediatric Neurology Department referrals being the highest (28.8%). Majority of diagnosis at referral were suspected epilepsy (80%) with epileptiform EEG abnormalities in 32%. Over all 64% the EEG records were normal, including all EEG records of children with syncope and headache. We conclude that there are many unnecessary routine EEG recordings in children. Investigation of epilepsy and acute encephalopathies appear to be the most valuable indications for routine pediatric EEG. EEG can be helpful in classification of seizures. Finding a way to reduce EEG requests is recommended.

The comparison of the effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam sedation on electroencephalography in pediatric patients with febrile convulsion

When electroencephalogram (EEG) activity is recorded for diagnostic purposes, the effects of sedative drugs on EEG activity should be minimal. This study compares the sedative efficacy and EEG effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam. EEG recordings of 60 pediatric subjects with a history of simple febrile convulsions were performed during physiologic sleep. All of these patients required sedation to obtain follow-up (control) EEGs. Subjects in Group D received 0.5 μg·kg(-1) of dexmedetomidine, and those in Group M received 0.1 mg·kg(-1) of midazolam. For rescue sedation, the same doses were repeated to maintain a Ramsey sedation score level of between 4 and 6. The mean doses that were required for sedation were 0.76 μg·kg(-1) of dexmedetomidine and 0.38 mg·kg(-1) of midazolam. Diastolic blood pressure and HR were lower in Group D than in Group M (P < 0.05). Hypoxia was observed in 11 (36.7%) subjects in Group M and none in Group D; this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Frontal and parieto-occipital (PO) EEG frequencies were similar during physiologic sleep and dexmedetomidine sedation. However, EEG frequencies in these areas (P < 0.001) and PO EEG amplitude (P = 0.030) were greater during midazolam sedation than during physiologic sleep. Dexmedetomidine is a suitable agent to provide sedation for EEG recording in children. There is less change in EEG peak frequency and amplitude after dexmedetomidine than after midazolam sedation.