Electroencephalography for monitoring cortical electrical activity related to intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review - Report - MDSpire

Electroencephalography for monitoring cortical electrical activity related to intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review

  • By

  • Lenstra, Jelmer-Joost

  • Eisele Marcolin, Gustavo

  • Jacobs, Bram

  • Günther, Ulf

  • Elting, Jan-Willem

  • Drost, Gea

  • van Putten, Michel J.A.M.

  • van der Naalt, Joukje

  • Van Der Horn, Harm Jan

  • May 7, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Utilizing EEG to Assess Cortical Activity in TBI Patients

Overview

This systematic review evaluates the relationship between electroencephalography (EEG) and intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Findings indicate a lack of comprehensive studies linking EEG patterns to ICP, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to both primary and secondary injury mechanisms. Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is crucial in managing TBI patients, yet traditional ICP monitoring has limitations and risks. The integration of noninvasive EEG monitoring may provide valuable insights into cerebral electrical activity and its relationship with ICP, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

Revise to emphasize the qualitative findings despite the absence of numerical data.

Key Findings

  • EEG monitoring is a noninvasive method that can assess cortical electrical activity in real-time.
  • There is a paucity of evidence linking EEG disruptions to traditional ICP measurements in TBI patients.
  • Three studies reported on the incidence of post-traumatic seizures in relation to ICP.
  • One study indicated a directional relationship between EEG activity and ICP.
  • Current guidelines emphasize the need for individualized ICP management strategies.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the potential role of EEG as a complementary tool in monitoring TBI patients, particularly in understanding the dynamics of ICP. Further research is necessary to establish standardized protocols for integrating EEG into ICP management.

Conclusion

The review underscores the need for systematic research to clarify the relationship between EEG and ICP in TBI patients, which may enhance understanding of intracranial dynamics and improve clinical management.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers, Source, 2026 -- Electroencephalography for monitoring cortical electrical activity related to intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review
  2. Intensive Care Medicine — Assessing the Impact of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring on Outcomes in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
  3. Critical Care (Springer) — Optimal cerebrovascular reactivity thresholds for the determination of individualized intracranial pressure thresholds in traumatic brain injury: a CAHR-TBI cohort study
  4. Comparative Analysis of Normal and High Intracranial Pressure Effects on Cerebral Physiology in Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights from a CENTER-TBI Exploratory Investigation
  5. Overview of Advanced Multimodal Monitoring Techniques in Traumatic Brain Injury
  6. Guidelines for the Management of Severe TBI, 4th Edition
  7. A Trial of Intracranial-Pressure Monitoring in Traumatic Brain Injury | New England Journal of Medicine
  8. Frontiers | Electroencephalography for monitoring cortical electrical activity related to intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review

Original Source(s)

Electroencephalography for monitoring cortical electrical activity related to intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review

  • by Lenstra, Jelmer-Joost , Eisele Marcolin, Gustavo , Jacobs, Bram , Günther, Ulf , Elting, Jan-Willem , Drost, Gea , van Putten, Michel J.A.M., van der Naalt, Joukje , Van Der Horn, Harm Jan

  • May 7, 2026

Related Content

AAP Updates Pediatric Office Emergency Readiness

Guidance addresses office readiness, recommended equipment and medications, and team communication processes for infrequent but high-acuity emergencies.

IQSEC2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with a Rett-like phenotype: two cases with novel variants and a review of the literature

Baptist Health Foundation Receives $2M Gift to Establish Endowed Chair at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Baptist Health Foundation announced that it has received a $2 million donation from Anthony and Joyce Esernia to establish a new endowed chair at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute.

  • by

  • May 1, 2026

  • 5 min