IV. Abnormal Electroencephalograms of the Neonate

WHILE the subject of electroencephalography in children and adults has received extensive consideration by many observers, no studies have been published on abnormal electroencephalograms obtained on infants in the first days of life. Yet the matter of being born is such a physiologic adventure and the hazards to the brain so obvious that one would expect to find evidence of cortical electrical abnormality in those newcomers who have not survived too well the physical and chemical stresses incident to labor and delivery.

It is the purpose of this communication to present data on a group of 8 full term newborn infants whose electroencephalograms showed definite abnormalities. Seven of these infants had clearcut evidence of neurologic disorder at the time the tracings were taken. One showed no unusual clinical symptoms or signs in the nursery, but his electroencephalograms were observed to be abnormal. It will require a considerably larger number of