burst suppression
An EEG pattern characterized by alternating periods of high-amplitude activity ('bursts') and low-amplitude or flat activity ('suppression').
Full Definition
Burst suppression is a distinctive electroencephalographic pattern featuring alternating episodes of high-voltage, mixed-frequency activity (bursts) lasting 1-10 seconds, separated by periods of markedly attenuated or flat electrical activity (suppression) lasting 2-10 seconds. This pattern indicates severe cortical dysfunction and is associated with deep anesthesia, hypothermia, severe hypoxic-ischemic injury, or certain epileptic encephalopathies such as Ohtahara syndrome in neonates. The burst suppression ratio, which quantifies the percentage of suppression, is used to monitor treatment efficacy in conditions like refractory status epilepticus.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound adjective (burst-suppression pattern). Can be quantified as burst suppression ratio.
In Context
- "The EEG showed burst suppression consistent with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy." — EEG report
- "Propofol was titrated to achieve burst suppression for refractory status epilepticus." — ICU protocol