The Role of EEG for the Prognostication of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

The role of EEG in the context of prognostication in patients with acute disorders of consciousness in the intensive care unit has expanded over the last decades, in parallel with technical developments and refinements. This article will review the most common EEG patterns, and outline their prognostic implications. Then, several diagnostic categories will be analyzed regarding the prognostic role of the EEG. Finally, a brief overview will be offered on the most recent approaches, such as intracranial EEG or automated EEG interpretations. While the EEG is clearly and robustly established in the process of prognostication, its role is still that of a marker, rather than truly representing a tool generating therapeutic implications.