Critical Care Scenarios Episode 86: EEGs in the ICU with Carolina Maciel
Apr 16, 2025
Carolina Maciel, MD, MSCR, FAAN, is a triple board-certified expert in neurology and neurocritical care. She dives into the nuances of EEGs in the ICU, explaining when and how to interpret these essential brain monitoring tools. The conversation highlights the importance of prolonged EEG monitoring for accurate insights, particularly in complex cases. Carolina emphasizes the need for collaboration between clinicians and EEG specialists to enhance patient outcomes while navigating the challenges of analyzing EEG data in critically ill patients.
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Avoid Short EEGs in ICU
- Avoid ordering short EEGs (20-30 min) in ICU patients; they often provide limited useful information.
- Opt for longer EEG recordings that capture state changes and stimulation responses to better assess brain function.
EEG Potential Underused in ICU
- The full potential of EEG in critical care is underutilized, often limited to seizure detection only.
- Better EEG interpretation and timely reading can guide bedside ICU decisions beyond just seizures.
Prefer Longer EEGs Over Short
- When ordering EEGs in ICU, prefer medium to long durations over short.
- Use initial findings to decide if continuous EEG monitoring is needed.