Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Aug 1996
Quantitative EEG analysis as a supplement to the clinical coma scale RLS85.
The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between EEG indicators and clinical scores based on the RLS85 (Reaction Level Scale 85) in comatose patients. The results of a simple visual assessment of the EEG, using an arbitrary scale with typical EEG patterns, were compared with those obtained by quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). ⋯ The amount of EEG slow activity is significantly correlated to the RLS85 score. This means that the EEG also provides information on the level and not only on the changes of the coma degree. Surprisingly, the indicators based on quantitative EEG, as used in commercially available instruments, did not give better results than the visual assessment. However, the results of the computerised analysis could be improved using multivariate statistical methods. The study also showed a way to improve communication between the neurophysiologist and clinician by presenting the EEG findings in terms similar to those used in the clinical scales. However, the clinician should be aware of the fact that the "EEG score" and the clinical score is not the same: the intention is to supplement rather than to simulate the clinical observation.