Coexistence of Ectopic Rhythms and Periodic EEG Pattern in Anoxic Encephalopathy

In this paper, we reported unique EEG patterns in two patients with anoxic encephalopathy. In the patient with a longer survival, the early EEG showed: (1) suppression-burst pattern and theta pattern coma during quiet states; and (2) quasi-periodic, generalized, epileptiform discharges associated with alpha-theta pattern coma during periods of arousal. A second EEG showed a disappearance of suppression-burst pattern and alpha coma. A third EEG demonstrated a disappearance of quasi-periodic epileptiform discharges. Such distinct evolution of the electroencephalogram was associated clinically with increased responsiveness despite a fatal course of illness. The second patient who had a more dramatic course, had an EEG immediately preceding death, which showed a combination of periodic pattern and theta pattern coma.