Background EEG grading for the assessment of neonatal encephalopathy in full term neonates

Multichannel electroencephalography (EEG) is a well-established tool for detecting neonatal seizures and for the assessment of global brain function. Numerous classification and grading schemes for neonatal EEG in full term neonates have been proposed but no universally accepted framework exists, hindering international multicentre research and complicating clinical interpretation. This review summarises widely used classification schemes, compares their key features and argues for a consensus-based classification system.