Frontal sharp waves (encoches pointues frontales) identified by Monod (1960) were studied in 110 neonates and infants. Three pattern were described: typical, related and degraded. They were recorded in all subjects, the reason why the frequency of each pattern varied was discussed. Pathological states did not increase the occurrence of those frontal sharp waves since most of them were recorded in children either normal or suffering from a minor pathology. Incidence of maturation seemed to be probable since the highest proportion of frontal sharp waves occurred in infants whose gestational and legal age were respectively greater than 43 weeks and between 20 and 40 days at the time of investigation. Typical and degraded forms were predominant in transitional period towards quiet sleep; they were less numerous during falling asleep in active sleep and totally absent during active sleep following quiet sleep. This could suggest that the two states of active sleep are different in nature.

Age Factors↗

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[Lambda waves in the neonate (author's transl)].

Different types of sharp elements can be observed over the occipital regions from the 2nd postnatal week in the open-eyed child, with active eye movement but practically no body movement. Certain of these sharply localised elements in the occipital midlin are identical to adult lambda waves. Their early occurrence calls to mind the emergence of visual function and attention, these latter occurring at the end of the neonatal period between 7 and 9 days.

Electroencephalography↗

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[E.E.G. features during prolonged anaesthesia for cardiac surgery: the effects of temperature variations (author's transl)].

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Adult↗

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[EEG and craniofacial injuries].

The number of cases studied was too small to be really representative of the role of the E.E.G. in the assessment of cranio-facial trauma cases. The following points may nevertheless be stressed: -The usefulness of negative findings. The E.E.G. may be used to confirm that a purely facial impact, or one without any severe cranial involvement, has only minor or quite negligeable cerebral repercussions. -The presence of significant E.E.G. changes indicates marked cerebral involvement. The nature of the latter (contusion, haematoma etc.) cannot be determined by the E.E.G. alone but any obvious localising signs (e.g. severe frontal deterioration) should indicate the possibility of a lesion requiring urgent neurosurgical treatment. In particular, sub-frontal extra-dural haematomas are associated with abnormalities clearly localised in the fronto-polar regions (R. Vigouroux et al., 1962). Apart from such specific collections, the type of damage described in operative reports easily explains the major disturbances in the frontal tracing which are almost invariably encountered. -The value of an early E.E.G. examination and of repeated studies. The first record gives an indication of the cerebral "state" and of possible "functional" disturbances which may exist later after the accident. Above all, it represents a valuable prognostic indication, in particular in patients who are in coma, precisely reflecting the depth of the latter and its potential reversibility. The course and progress of initial abnormalities is also an element in prognosis. In our patients, it was surprising to note the ease with which certain initial major disturbances resolved. However the persistence of minor alterations should lead to reserve with regard to the recovery of complete cerebral integrity and such subjects should be carefully followed up.

Brain Injuries↗

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