Scoring arousals

Question 1

What stage of sleep can an arousal occur from?

Answer 1

An arousal can occur from any stage of sleep

Question 2

What is the EEG criteria for an arousal?

Answer 2

• Any abrupt shift in EEG frequency.
  
  • The frequency can be theta, alpha or beta (greater than 16 Hz)
  • Arousals cannot be delta waves, K complexes or spindles

Question 3

What are the specific polysomnogram rules for scoring an arousal?

(arousal from REM)

Answer 3

• The frequency shift must be greater than or equal to three seconds
• The patient must have greater than or equal to 10 seconds of previous sleep
• REM arousals must have increased chin EMG of greater than or equal to one second (not required for non-REM sleep)
  
  • This is because alpha bursts can be seen during REM sleep and are not pathologic

Question 4

What are the arousal rules in regards to K complexes and Delta waves?

Answer 4

• K complexes and Delta waves are not an arousal unless the EEG shows an increased frequency at the same time.
• If the frequency shift is after the K complex or Delta wave then they are not part three second rule

Question 5

what does this segment show?

Answer 5