Analysis of clinical application of ambulatory electroencephalogram on early diagnosis of progressive stroke

Objective To investigate the clinical application value of ambulatory electroencephalogram (AEEG) on early diagnosis of progressive stroke (PS). Methods One hundred and sixty cases with acute ischemic stroke were divided into progressive group (n = 53) and stable group (n = 107). All patients were examined with AEEG and head CT in 24 h after admission. The clinical and AEEG data were analysed retrospectively. The abnormal AEEG rate in 2 groups was compared. Positive rate of AEEG and CT in progressive group was also compared. Results Abnormal AEEG rate in progressive group (47/53, 88.68%) was significantly higher than that in stable group (69/107, 64.49%; χ2 = 10.405, P = 0.001). In progressive group, positive CT scanning was found in 36 cases within 24 h after onset (36/53, 67.92% ); AEEG and CT were all positive in 31 cases (31/53, 58.49%). Difference between the positive rate of AEEG and CT was significant (χ2 = 4.762, P = 0.027). In progressive group, severe abnormal AEEG was seen in 4 cases (major cerebral infarction in 3 cases, and brainstem infarction in one case) developed coma at the second day of admission, moderate abnormal AEEG was found in 20 cases with anterior circulation infarction, slight abnormal AEEG was detected in 23 cases (19 cases with anterior circulation infarction, and 4 cases with posterior circulation infarction), and normal AEEG was indicated in 6 cases without disturbance of consciousness. Conclusion The detective rate of progressive stroke with AEEG is comparatively high and is especially higher than CT in early period. The degree of abnormality is concerned with pathogenetic condition and lesion loci. AEEG is valuable for early diagnosis of progressive stroke. DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2011.04.01