XXXX : prognostic significance of the incomplete variant.

@entity1 @entity2806 @entity63 @entity303 @entity73 @entity772 @entity1167
The prognostic significance of @entity63 (AC) is controversial. We recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and performed serial electroencephalography (EEG) in a 60-year-old @entity1 in @entity772 after @entity1167 . The first EEG was recorded after 48 hours (GCS=5; E1-V1-M3); brain-stem reflexes were preserved. The EEG pattern showed monotonous alpha frequencies (10-11 Hz) with posterior predominance; acoustic and noxious stimuli evoked EEG reactivity. Early cortical SEPs (72 h) were normal. On the fifth day (GCS=8; E4-V1-M3), the EEG alpha pattern was replaced by a diffuse delta activity; rhythmic theta changes appeared spontaneously or in response to stimuli. The @entity1 regained consciousness on the tenth day and EEG showed posterior theta activity (6-7 c/s) partially reactive to stimuli. At the 6-month follow-up, cognitive evaluation showed mild @entity303 . Recent studies identified two forms of AC. @entity1 with complete AC have an outcome that is almost invariably poor. Conversely, incomplete AC (posteriorly accentuated alpha frequency, reactive and with SEPs mostly normal) reflects a less severe degree of @entity2806 . The case we report should be classified, according to the SEPs and EEG features, as incomplete AC. The fact that the @entity1 has regained consciousness, even if with residual @entity73 , confirms the need to distinguish this variant from complete AC.
