Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a method of providing high temporal resolution of the cortical neuronal activity of the brain. The EEG waveforms represent the summation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSP) of cortical neurons. It is essential to accurately differentiate the benign and pathological variants of EEGs. Precise recognition of benign variants of the EEG is crucial to avoid an errant diagnosis of epilepsy. The breach rhythm, also known as the breach effect, is a benign EEG pattern with an epileptiform morphology caused by a focal skull abnormality. A focal skull defect, such as after craniotomy or cranial surgery, can cause an increase in the amplitude of alpha, beta, and mu rhythms, leading to the breach effect. This activity reviews the cause, pathophysiology, and presentation of the breach rhythm and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in accurately recognizing it.Clinicians participating in this CME activity can expect to gain comprehensive insights into the EEG and its role in assessing cortical neuronal activity. Participants will enhance their ability to identify breach rhythms, particularly when occurring in serial trains, and learn to differentiate them from spike-like epileptiform activity. The significance of precise rhythm interpretation in improving patient care outcomes and safety is emphasized throughout this educational review.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/18559
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Internal Medicine, Neurocritical Care, Neuropathology (incl. Neuromuscular), Pediatric Neurology, Sleep Medicine