Abnormal Neonatal EEG

An electroencephalogram of a newborn shows unique features compared to those of older children and adults. This technique is the only clinically available study that addresses the premature neonate's normal and abnormal functional development week after week. EEG changes result from gradual structural and functional modifications during the last trimester of pregnancy. EEG features are classified according to whether they manifest endogenous generators, such as theta activities that coalesce with a slow wave or delta brushes or originate from a broader network. Neonatal patterns evolve weekly based on the gestational age. Moreover, delta brush, a common characteristic waveform of the human preterm electroencephalogram, represents spontaneous electrical activity. Recent studies suggested that delta brushes are also evoked by external sensory stimulation or spontaneous movement and reflect the activity of subplate neurons, which plays a significant role in early brain development and network organization.