EEG spectral power during halothane anaesthesia. A comparison of spectral bands in the monitoring of anaesthesia level

Abstract
The EEG of ten elective abdominal surgery patients was studied during halothane anaesthesia. The EEG was analysed by compressed spectral array. The total power and various power bands were analysed. Anaesthesia was induced by mask with halothane in air. EEG analysis was performed from the data collected before induction and during anaesthesia at steady states of 1 MAC, 1.5 MAC, and 2 MAC. The correlation between deepening anaesthesia and power values was strongest in the 10-14 Hz band power and in the 18-32 Hz band power. This study confirms the usefulness of high frequency power in estimating the effect of halothane in patients.