Brain wave disturbance and cognitive impairment after CPR

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common morbidity after cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with long time persistence. Brain hypoxia is believed to be the main but not the single etiology of post CPR cognitive impairment. Theta and lower theta waves of the EEG have essential role in proper functioning of the memory performance. Both endotracheal intubation and atropine administration in CPR process can abolish these waves. We hypothesize that CI in CPR survivors can be caused by disturbance in aforementioned waves due to endotracheal intubation and atropine administration.