Electroencephalographic (EEG) features of encephalopathy in the setting of Covid-19: A case series

Electroencephalographic (EEG) features of encephalopathy in the setting of Covid-19: A case series

•An early description of electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in encephalopathy arising in the setting of Covid-19.•Appearances are commensurate with global cerebral dysfunction (EEG slowing).•Identification of focal or irritative features might suggest additional pathology and should prompt furth...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical neurophysiology practice Vol. 5; pp. 199 - 205
Main Authors: Canham, L.J.W., Staniaszek, L.E., Mortimer, A.M., Nouri, L.F., Kane, N.M.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-01-2020
Elsevier
Subjects:
Case Report
Covid-19
EEG
Encephalopathy
Covid-19
Encephalopathy
EEG
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Summary:•An early description of electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in encephalopathy arising in the setting of Covid-19.•Appearances are commensurate with global cerebral dysfunction (EEG slowing).•Identification of focal or irritative features might suggest additional pathology and should prompt further investigation. The Covid-19 pandemic is a global challenge presenting clinicians with an evolving diagnostic landscape. We sought to describe EEG findings observed from local experience in a typical case series of patients with severe Covid-19. Ten cases of Covid-19 were identified in whom EEG recordings had been made during the course of admissions to Bristol hospitals which had required intensive care. Electro-clinical correlation between the EEG and available medical history, imaging and laboratory investigation results was explored. The predominant EEG features in severe Covid-19 are of generalised symmetrical slowing, consistent with encephalopathy. The presence of focal disturbances or irritative abnormalities may be a pointer away from a pure encephalopathy and warrant further investigation. A growing range of neurological sequelae from Covid-19 are now recognised to be common amongst patients hospitalised with this condition, being seen to affect approximately one third of such cases. Electroencephalography has a unique place in the diagnostic work-up of impaired consciousness, a frequent feature of severe Covid-19. However, there is currently a paucity of literature describing typical EEG findings in this setting.
ISSN:2467-981X
2467-981X
DOI:10.1016/j.cnp.2020.06.001