Electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology
-
Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol · Apr 1996
The impact of repeated short episodes of circulatory arrest on cerebral function. Reassuring electroencephalographic (EEG) findings during defibrillation threshold testing at defibrillator implantation.
The impact of circulatory arrest on EEG features during defibrillation threshold testing for implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator has been disputed. Cumulation of cerebral ischemic effects during threshold testing has been observed, and consequently the advice was given to avoid short intervals between tests and to limit the test number. This study investigated the duration of EEG signs of cerebral ischemia as well as the occurrence of cumulation. ⋯ Test interval was not related with either onset or recovery time. We conclude that repeated threshold tests which are monitored by assessment of EEG and hemodynamics are not associated with cumulative EEG changes as a result of ischemia. Our results do not support the advice that the number of tests should be limited.