INTRODUCTION: The precocious detection of cerebral dysfunction or insult in newborns of risk in the Neonatal Intensive Therapy Units increases the possibility of survival and less risk of neurological sequela in these children. The EEG is an instrument that allows to the neonatologist information about the repercussion of the neurological injury on the immature brain and, with the neuroimage findings, to identify those with reserved prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To analyse studies involving the relation between the neonatal EEG and the neurological prognosis identifying clinical and electroencephalographics predictable characteristics. METHODS: we have performed a wide bibliographic revision including studies published since 1970 till now the EEG was accomplished, on the neonatal period, in neonates of risk and/or seizures. RESULTS: EEG may help to establish outcome and mortality mainly when it presents burst suppression, inactivity and or low voltage the patterns. On the other side a normal neurological exam together with normal EEG related to a favorable outcome. Sequential EEGs also improves the sensibility to predict outcome. CONCLUSION: The EEG is a non-invasive low cost method that enables the evaluation of neonates with serious illness. The changes observed in the background activity, the presence of determined graph elements and the organization level of the sleeping stages can be correlated with the neurological outcome during the first years of life.
neonatal EEG; risk newborns; seizures; prematurity