A good knowledge of the EEG features of the sleep-wake cycle (SWC) is a prerequisite. We first describe the main features of normal and pathological EEGs. Very early recordings (before 6 hours of life) are needed to indicate any required neuroprotective (hypothermia) and other (sedation, anticonvulsivants) treatments.
Between the normal or near-normal tracings, which are associated with a good prognosis, and the very pathological ones (inactive, paroxysmal), which are associated with a poor vital or neurological prognosis, the interpretation of 鈥渋ntermediate鈥?tracings -聽mainly represented by other types of discontinuous tracings聽- must take into account characteristics such as bursts and discontinuities, postnatal age, evolution of successive tracings, and treatments.