A window into the neonatal brain the use of aEEG and EEG on the NICU

Neonatal EEG monitoring is one of the few non-invasive, objective methods measuring the functional integrity of the immature cortex and its connections. Both full EEG and amplitude integrated EEG (aEEG) can assist in determining brain maturation, evaluating acute neonatal brain injury, and diagnosing seizures. Electrographic seizures are common in critically ill neonates including those with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, traumatic brain injury, and underlying epilepsy. They are only identifiable using EEG or aEEG monitoring. Either method (full EEG vs aEEG) has advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed by international experts in this field with interactive clinical cases.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the value of EEG and aEEG for neonatal brain monitoring
• Recognize the challenges of EEG monitoring the neonatal intensive care unit
• Recognize potential pitfalls of aEEG