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Putting Electroencephalography (EEG) in the Emergency Department

Diagnostic Utility of Emergency Electroencephalography in Identifying Non-convulsive Seizure and Subclinical Status Epilepticus in Patients With Altered Mental Status

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01355211
Enrollment
261
Registered
2011-05-18
Start date
2011-04-30
Completion date
2012-02-29
Last updated
2012-03-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Altered Mental Status, Generalized Nonconvulsive Seizure Disorder, Status-epilepticus

Keywords

Altered Mental Status, non-convulsive seizure, status epilepticus, electroencephalography

Brief summary

The aim of the proposed research is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of a portable wireless electroencephalography (EEG) device (Biosignal Micro-EEG) to standard EEG in identifying abnormal EEG patterns (mainly non-convulsive seizure and non-convulsive status epilepticus) in emergency department (ED) patients with altered mental status. Comparing the the accuracy of EEG recordings and interpretations of Micro-EEG to those of standard EEG will allow the investigators to assess the utility of this novel device in the ED patients with altered mental status. The unique qualities of Micro-EEG device could potentially facilitate easier access to EEG test in all ED patients. This study will also provide valid information regarding the prevalence of non-convulsive seizure in ED patients with altered mental status.The gold standard for diagnosing non-convulsive seizure would be standard EEG. All study participants will undergo electroencephalography using the two devices (standard EEG and micro-EEG) and a combination of standard electrodes and Electro-Cap in a randomized order: 1. Standard EEG with standard EEG electrodes, 2. Micro-EEG with standard EEG electrodes, and 3. Micro-EEG with Electro-Cap electrodes.

Detailed description

Formulated Research Question: Population: ED patients with altered mental status (AMS) Intervention: Micro-EEG Comparison: Standard EEG Outcomes: 1. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratios of micro-EEG in identifying non-convulsive seizures and abnormal brain activities 2. The concordance of EEG interpretations between micro-EEG and standard EEGs recordings Design Prospective cross-sectional Definitions: Altered Mental Status: Any acute change in level of arousability or responsiveness (e.g. confusion, lethargy, delirium, coma, aphasia, disinhibition, labile/blunted affect or unexpected psychosis). Types of AMS (for the purpose of the study): 1. AMS alone 2. AMS with non-specific motor activity (subtle motor movement such as eye blinking, nystagmus, focal motor movements, or myoclonus) 3. Prolonged AMS following one or more tonic-clonic seizures suggesting status epilepticus Non-convulsive seizure (NCZ):A seizure without clonic or tonic activity or other convulsive motor activity. Status Epilepticus (SE):SE is defined as 1. More than 30 minutes of continuous seizure activity or 2. Two or more sequential seizures without recovery of consciousness between seizures.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
CollaboratorNIH
State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center
CollaboratorOTHER
Kings County Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine
CollaboratorOTHER
Bio-Signal Group Corp.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
13 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

ED patients ≥ 13 year-old with AMS on arrival to ED

Exclusion criteria

1. Patients with apparent and immediately correctable cause of AMS upon presentation (determined by ED attending physician during initial evaluation): * Patients with finger stick or serum glucose less than 60 mg/dl * Patients with hypothermia * Patients with hyperthermia, heat exhaustion or heat stroke * Patients with opioid overdose responding to Narcan 2. Patients who cannot undergo EEG recordings because of severe head and injury, hemodynamic instability, transfer to operating room, etc.) 3. Hemodynamically unstable patients (SBP \< 90 mmHg) 4. Uncooperative or combative patients on whom the EEG simply cannot be obtained.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Diagnostic Utility of Emergency Electroencephalography in Identifying Non-convulsive Seizure and Subclinical Status Epilepticus in Patients with Altered Mental Status (AMS)6 months1. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratios of micro-EEG in identifying non-convulsive seizures and abnormal brain activities 2. The concordance of EEG interpretations between micro-EEG and standard EEG recordings

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026