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(Stroke. 2004;35:2489.)
© 2004 American Heart Association, Inc.

Original Contributions

Continuous Quantitative EEG Monitoring in Hemispheric Stroke Patients Using the Brain Symmetry Index

From the Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Ziekenhuis Leyenburg, Leyweg, The Hague, the Netherlands.

Correspondence to Dr Michel J.A.M. van Putten, Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Ziekenhuis Leyenburg, Leyweg 275, 2545 CH The Hague, The Netherlands. E-mail: m.j.a.m.vanputten{at}clinicalsciencesystems.com

Background and Purpose— There is increased awareness that continuous brain monitoring might benefit neurological patients, because it may allow detection of derangement of brain function in a possible reversible state, allowing early intervention. Here, we explore if quantitative continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring is technically feasible and possibly clinically relevant in patients with acute ischemic hemispheric stroke.

Materials— Twenty-one consecutive patients with an acute hemispheric stroke were monitored in our stroke unit, using cEEG for 12 to 24 hours on the day of admission. EEGs were quantified using a particular measure for symmetry, the brain symmetry index (BSI). This measure was subsequently correlated with the clinical condition of the patient using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Results— cEEG was technically feasible. We found a most satisfying positive correlation between the BSI and the NIHSS, with 0.86 (P<0.01).

Conclusions— Technically, cEEG monitoring posed no major problems. It was found that the BSI correlates satisfactorily with the clinical neurological condition of our stroke patients. This suggests that the BSI can be used as a measure to monitor possible changes of brain function in this patient category.

Key Words: brain symmetry index • electroencephalography • monitoring • stroke