OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters in time, coinciding with the changes recorded by the electrocardiogram (ECG) channel in patients after the introduction of peripheral muscle relaxants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients were examined in intensive care units on artificial lung ventilation (ALV). During the study, myographic artifacts were recorded in all patients in the EEG, the elimination of which was impossible without the use of pharmacological agents leading to relaxation of muscles — muscle relaxants of peripheral action.

RESULTS

Complete suppression of myographic artifacts on the EEG was noted in all patients after the introduction of peripheral muscle relaxants. However, in 4 of them, EEG changes were noted in the period 2 to 3 minutes after the introduction of muscle relaxants and the disappearance of myographic artifacts on the EEG. These changes coincided in time with the changes recorded by the ECG channel.

CONCLUSIONS

The EEG changes in time, coinciding with the changes in ECG indicators, suggest the presence of short-term disturbances of the functional state of the basic brain systems, probably due to changes in hemodynamics due to cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances. It is advisable to record the EEG with the inclusion of an ECG channel in the wiring diagram for synchronous recording.