Long-term EEG compression for intensive-care settings

The authors have presented a method that can be potentially used for records of any duration, with any number of channels, any number of channel groupings (different topologies), and in a variety of situation (ICU, sleep, coma, etc.). Unlike methods such as compressed spectral arrays, the proposed method presents samples of original EEG that represent the long-term EEG along with their temporal distribution. Because the actual EEG is presented to the user, no new interpretive skills are required and the method can be employed by anyone familiar with EEG. Moreover, the simple graphical display allows a non-EEG specialist to identify abnormal changes-the emergence of focal changes, bursts or sustained asymmetries, gradual or sudden changes, and cycling of EEG patterns. Quick identification of problems will allow such personnel to contact the EEG specialist for a detailed assessment. The compact nature of the resulting display allows the compressed results to be transmitted via modem or fax to the EEGer at a remote site for an initial assessment of the urgency of the situation. It is important to note that the proposed method is intended to provide a summary of the EEG and should be used to supplement the EEG. It is not intended to replace usual EEG interpretation. The authors' have thus far examined the feasibility of this method in an offline application. Clearly, it will be most advantageous when used online. The authors' future work involves the adaptation of this method for online application.