[Diagnostic and prognostic value of the EEG in the immediate aftermath of cranial trauma].

The authors studied the EGGs of 262 cases of post-traumatic coma and drew the following conclusions: 1. If the EEG shows sleep activity immediately after cranial trauma, the prognosis is generally good. 2. The existence of electrical reactivity to sensory stimulation is a favourable sign and examination of the symmetry of reactions often demonstrates a focal lesion which is not otherwise apparent. However, the absence of localizing signs in the EEG does not necessarily preclude the existence of an intracranial focal lesion; nor do signs of focalization necessarily confirm the existence of a lesion. 3. In equivocal cases, the echo-EG and arteriography should be contemplated. 4. Focal irritative abnormalities in an elderly patient suggest a very poor prognosis. 5. A recording which implies mtabolic disorder should prompt the immediate search for the causal disturbance. If correction of the metabolic disturbance is not followed by rapid improvement of the EEG, the prognosis is very unfavourable. 6. A focal lesion associated with the coma will affect the prognosis but surgical correction of the lesional effects may also get rid of the disturbances of consciousness.