Monitoring the central nervous system in children with congenital heart defects: Clinical neurophysiological techniques

• Published in: Seminars in pediatric neurology Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 27 - 31
• Main Author: Rosenblatt, Bernard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-03-1999
• Subjects: Cardiac Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Central Nervous System - physiology; Central Nervous System Diseases - etiology; Central Nervous System Diseases - prevention & control; Child; Electroencephalography - methods; Evoked Potentials; Heart Defects, Congenital - physiopathology; Humans; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Neurophysiology - methods; Postoperative Care; Preoperative Care
• ISSN: 1071-9091; 1558-0776
• DOI: 10.1016/S1071-9091(99)80044-8

The neurological sequelae following surgery for complex cardiac malformations is being increasingly recognized. The electroencephalogram (EEG) and evoked potentials may be used as monitors of neurological integrity. Criteria for a successful intensive care unit monitoring system have been proposed. EEG findings in the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative periods are reviewed and may aid in the prediction of neurological sequelae. Recent advances in the development of a computerized neurophysiological monitor at the Montreal Children's Hospital are reviewed. Evoked potentials, auditory, somatosensory, and visual can be used to monitor children with complex cardiac lesions and evaluate them for potential neurological sequelae.