Electroencephalography and prognosis in stroke patients

Abstract

Electroencephalography (EEG) and its relationship to prognosis were studied in 105 patients with cerebrovascular disease in the acute to subacute stages. Twenty cases had normal EEG, and most of them recovered well. Fifty-five cases had mildly to moderately abnormal EEG with focal asymmetric or slow waves in the unilateral hemisphere. Among them, 41 cases (75%) recovered to the extent of being capable of independent walking, 38 cases (69%) recovered sufficiently to engage in independent activities of daily livings (ADL) and 42 cases (76%) returned home. On the other hand 30 cases who had severely abnormal EEG with diffuse slow waves in the unilateral or bilateral hemispheres showed a poor prognosis. Among them, 18 cases (60%) were confined to bed, 20 cases (69%) remained in totally dependent ADL, and 4 cases (13%) died. Thus, EEG is shown to reflect well functional recovery in stroke patients.