Electroencephalographic Changes Resulting From Carotid Artery Compression

THE VALUE of electroencephalography in clinical work is reflected in the vast literature which has developed on this subject since Berger's original report in 1929. It has become apparent, however, that if the diagnostic value of electroencephalography is to be extended, activation techniques must be developed and assessed. One must alter the resting tracing by physiological or pharmacological means if one is to obtain additional information. Although this was appreciated in part at an early stage in the case of hyperventilation, other methods of activation have been investigated only within the past few years. Such techniques must be studied in a systematic fashion if their indications, potentialities, and limitations are to be fully understood. Among the various methods of activation being tried in our laboratory, cerebral hypoxia as produced by carotid artery compression has shown some promise, and it is the purpose of the present report to record our initial