Electroencephalogram during and after an acute attack of asthma in children.

EEGs were recorded in 12 children who were admitted to hospital because of an asthmatic attack. One EEG was recorded during the attack, one immediately after, and a third EEG several weeks later. The severity of the attack was classified as moderate in eight children, severe in three and very severe in one child. There was a corresponding change in the blood gases, but other laboratory values (electrolytes, glucose, etc.) were normal. Contrary to previous findings, no change was seen in the three successive EEG recordings which had been related to the attacks. It is therefore concluded that an asthmatic attack as such does not give rise to changes in the EEG, and a complicating factor should be suspected if such changes are seen.