burst suppression
An EEG pattern characterized by alternating periods of high-amplitude activity and electrical silence.
Full Definition
Burst suppression is an abnormal EEG pattern consisting of alternating periods of high-amplitude, mixed-frequency activity ('bursts') and periods of electrical silence or very low-amplitude activity ('suppression'). In pediatric neurology, this pattern may be seen in severe encephalopathies, following hypoxic-ischemic injury, during certain treatments (such as burst suppression anesthesia), or in specific epilepsy syndromes like Ohtahara syndrome. The burst-to-suppression ratio and overall pattern characteristics provide important prognostic information about brain function and recovery potential.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound modifier; describe burst-to-suppression ratio when clinically relevant.
In Context
- "The EEG showed a burst suppression pattern with interburst intervals of 3-5 seconds." — Critical care EEG report
- "Burst suppression was achieved during therapeutic hypothermia monitoring." — Neonatal intensive care documentation