What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the added value of prolonged EEG durations in detecting abnormalities in older adults with acute confusional state.

Comparison of standard and extended 3-hour EEG in older adults with acute confusion

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Pilot study compares EEG durations to assess diagnostic yield in older adults with acute confusion, suggesting limited value of prolonged EEG.

To evaluate the added value of prolonged EEG durations in detecting abnormalities in older adults with acute confusional state.
Conducted a prospective observational pilot study.
Included 40 patients aged ≥65 years with acute confusional state.
Performed sequential EEG recordings at durations of 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 3 hours.
EEGs were reviewed by two trained neurologists using established consensus criteria.
Most abnormalities were found within the first 30 minutes of recording.
Only a 10% increase in diagnostic yield was noted with 3-hour EEG compared to 30-minute EEG.
Significant EEG findings were rare; only 7 out of 40 EEGs had additional abnormalities after 3 hours.
No predictors for additional findings on prolonged EEG were identified; the increase in yield was not statistically significant (p = 0.125).

Pūcīte et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Pilot study compares EEG durations to assess diagnostic yield in older adults with acute confusion, suggesting limited value of prolonged EEG.