STUDY OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC FINDINGŚ IN 209 CASES ADMITTED AS HEAD INJURIES TO AN ARMY NEUROLOGICAL-NEURO-SURGICAL CENTER

Abstract

Electroencephalographic abnormalities are apparently a valid indicator of brain injury. The percentage of electroencephalographic abnormality increases with severity of injury. It is most marked when the dura has been penetrated, less in cases of open head injury without dural penetration, and least in closed head injuries. The percentage of electroencephalographic abnormality decreases as times elapses from injury. Amplitude asymmetry is a guide to site of injury and an index of electroencephalographic improvement. Focal records were not found in cases with mild injury, but were more frequent with severe injury and penetrating wounds. Focal records without accompanying convulsions were found almost entirely in cases that had been injured less than 6 mos. before the initial EEG. Focal records with convulsions occurred in cases where the initial record was taken longer than 6 mos. after injury. This suggests the possibility that cases with focal records may eventually develop post-traumatic epilepsy, though initially asymptomatic.