Hypoglycemia-Induced Changes in the Electroencephalogram

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is defined by an abnormally low blood glucose level. The condition develops when rates of glucose entry into the systematic circulation are reduced relative to the glucose uptake by the tissues. A cardinal manifestation of hypoglycemia arises from inadequate supply of glucose to the brain, where glucose is the primary metabolic fuel. The brain is one of the first organs to be affected by hypoglycemia. Shortage of glucose in the brain, or neuroglycopenia, results in a gradual loss of cognitive functions causing slower reaction time, blurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, and ultimately death, as the hypoglycemia progresses. The electrical activity in the brain represents the metabolic state of the brain cells and can be measured by electroencephalography (EEG). An association between hypoglycemia and changes in the EEG has been demonstrated, although blood glucose levels alone do not seem to predict neuroglycopenia. This review provides an overview of the current literature regarding changes in the EEG during episodes of low blood glucose.