Features of EEG Examinations in Patients with Anemia

Abstract

Anaemia is a common haematological disorder that may contribute to neurological symptoms due to impaired cerebral oxygenation. This study investigated the electroencephalographic (EEG) features in patients with different types and severities of anaemia. Fifty-two anaemic patients with neurological complaints underwent standard EEG examination. Abnormalities were observed in 65.4% of cases, most commonly diffuse background slowing and decreased alpha rhythm. The severity of EEG changes was significantly associated with lower haemoglobin levels and more pronounced in patients with megaloblastic anaemia. The results suggest that EEG can reveal functional cerebral disturbances in anaemic individuals, particularly those with moderate to severe anaemia. EEG may serve as a valuable, non-invasive tool for assessing subclinical brain dysfunction in patients with haematological conditions.

Introduction

Anaemia, characterized by reduced haemoglobin and oxygen delivery, can cause neurological symptoms such as dizziness, cognitive slowing, and irritability, but its effects on brain function are not well studied. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a useful, non-invasive method to assess brain activity and may reveal neurophysiological disturbances in anaemic patients.

In a study of 52 anaemic patients with neurological complaints, EEG abnormalities were found in 65.4%, including diffuse background slowing and reduced alpha rhythm, with more severe anaemia correlating with more pronounced EEG changes. Megaloblastic anaemia showed the highest rate of EEG abnormalities, likely due to both hypoxia and vitamin B12 deficiency. No epileptiform activity was detected, suggesting these changes reflect functional brain alterations rather than seizures.

The study highlights EEG’s potential role in detecting cerebral dysfunction in anaemia and supports closer neurological evaluation of anaemic patients with cognitive or neurological symptoms. Limitations include the small sample size and lack of follow-up EEGs post-treatment. Future research should explore EEG as a biomarker for neurological recovery and integrate neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Gapparova Nilufar Sharipovna, Khaydarova Matlyuba Amanovna, Makhmonov Lutfullo Saydullaevich, Madasheva Anajan Gazkhanovna. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.