ABSTRACT
Background: Canine epilepsy is a chronic common neurologic condition where seizures may be underreported. Electroencephalography (EEG) is the patient-side test providing an objective diagnostic criterion for seizures and epilepsy. Despite this, EEG is thought to be rarely used in veterinary neurology. Objectives: This survey study aims to better understand the current canine EEG usage and techniques and barriers in veterinary neurology. Methods: The online Qualtrics link was distributed via listserv to members of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Neurology Specialty and the European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN), reaching at least 517 veterinary neurology specialists and trainees worldwide. Results: The survey received a 35% response rate, for a total of 180 participant responses. Fewer than 50% of veterinary neurologists are currently performing EEG and it is performed infrequently. The most common indication was to determine a discrete event diagnosis. Other reasons included monitoring treatment, determining brain death, identifying the type of seizure or epilepsy, localizing foci, sleep disorders, for research purposes, and post-op brain surgery monitorization. Most respondents interpreted their own EEGs. Clinical barriers to the performance of EEG in dogs were mainly equipment availability, insufficient cases, and financial costs to clients. Conclusion: This survey provides an update on EEG usage and techniques for dogs, identifying commonalities of technique and areas for development as a potential basis for harmonization of canine EEG techniques. A validated and standardized canine EEG protocol is hoped to improve the diagnosis and treatment of canine epilepsy.
ABSTRACT
Scalp electrode impedance measurements recorded by wired and wireless electroencephalography (EEG) machines in 7 healthy dogs were compared. Eight recordings resulted in 80 impedance readings from subdermal wire electrodes (locations F7/F8, F3/F4, T3/T4, C3/C4, Fz, and Cz). Impedance values were measured first from the wired and then the wireless EEG machine. Wireless impedance measurements were higher than the wired EEG machine in 79/80 readings (P ≤ 0.05), being on average 2.83 kΩ [P ≤ 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.51 to 3.14, SD = 1.42] higher. Impedances from the wired machine ranged between < 0.5 and 9 kΩ (mean = 3.09, median = 2.00, SD = 2.15), whereas impedances from the wireless machine ranged between 2.69 and 6.07 kΩ (mean = 5.92, median = 5.05, SD = 2.59). Despite these differences in impedance measurements, both machines measured similar impedance patterns. The wireless EEG machine's impedance measurements, therefore, should be acceptable for veterinary clinical settings.
Les mesures d'impédance des électrodes du cuir chevelu enregistrées par des appareils EEG filaires et sans fil chez sept chiens en bonne santé ont été comparées. Huit enregistrements ont donné 80 lectures d'impédance à partir de fils-électrodes sous-cutanés (emplacements F7/F8, F3/F4, T3/T4, C3/C4, Fz et Cz). Les valeurs d'impédance ont été mesurées d'abord à partir de la machine EEG filaire puis sans fil. Les mesures d'impédance sans fil étaient plus élevées que l'EEG filaire dans 79/80 lectures (P ≤ 0,05), étant en moyenne de 2,83 kΩ [P ≤ 0,05, intervalle de confiance (IC) à 95 % : 2,51 à 3,14, SD = 1,42] plus élevé. Les impédances de la machine filaire étaient comprises entre < 0,5 et 9 kΩ (moyenne = 3,09, médiane = 2,00, SD = 2,15), tandis que les impédances de la machine sans fil étaient comprises entre 2,69 et 6,07 kΩ (moyenne = 5,92, médiane = 5,05, SD = 2,59). Malgré ces différences dans les mesures d'impédance, les deux machines ont mesuré des patrons d'impédance similaires. Les mesures d'impédance de la machine EEG sans fil doivent donc être acceptables pour les paramètres cliniques vétérinaires.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).