Electroencephalographic evaluation potentials in severely burned patients in intensive care

In severely burned patients water and electrolyte imbalance is the most obvious disturbance during the shock period but problems also occur because of large protein losses and absorption of toxic products from the damaged skin. These factors may impair brain function and this may be further affected by the action of drugs used for therapy. Brain function was assessed in 12 burned patients by EEG recordings. The EEG records showed no changes specific to burned patients. Changes were seen similar to those seen in patients under intensive care for other surgical conditions and seemed to be related to the level of consciousness and to the drug therapy.