Continuous bipolar recording of the EEG in patients with fulminant hepatic failure.

The experience gained from continuous bipolar recordings of the EEG in 20 patients with fulminant hepatic failure is described. In most cases the recordings obtained were of good quality and allowed the progression of the disease to be more accurately followed. In six patients, a dramatic change in the EEG as associated with a sudden deterioration in the patients' clinical condition and in four of these patients treatment was instituted more promptly than would have been possible had no EEG monitor been available. In addition to its use as a non-invasive patient monitor, continuous EEG monitoring may be useful in establishing the relation between EEG appearance, raised intracranial pressure, and sudden changes in neurological signs in patients with fulminant hepatic failure.