Decreased Electroencephalographic Alpha Power During Anesthesia Induction Is Associated With EEG Discontinuity in Human Infants

Abstract

We demonstrate that EEG discontinuity is common during anesthesia induction and is related to the level of sevoflurane-induced posterior alpha power, a putative marker of cortical-thalamic circuit development in the first year of life. This association persisted even after adjusting for age and propofol coadministration. The fact that this difference was only observed during anesthesia and not in the baseline EEG suggests that otherwise hidden brain circuit properties are unmasked by general anesthesia. These neurophysiologic markers observed during anesthesia may be useful in identifying patients who may have a greater chance of developing discontinuity.