This chapter focuses on rhythmic and periodic patterns (RPPs). These are common EEG patterns found in critically ill patients. The variety of different types of patterns and their standardized naming conventions are described here. These patterns span from serving as markers of encephalopathy, to markers of seizure risk (interictal), to status epilepticus itself (ictal), and everything in between. This broad potential of diagnostic significance is known as the ictal–interictal injury continuum (IIIC). This chapter describes strategies for differentiating between more benign and more malignant RPPs. Basic management strategies for these IIIC patterns are also described in this chapter.

Emergency Departments (EDs) nationwide face overcrowding problems. This is particularly problematic in the urban milieu because of a large volume of patients, smaller physical footprint of EDs, more low-acuity cases, and increased cases needing additional services, such as social services. Overcrowded EDs have negative impacts on patient care and patient safety. There are several solutions to ED overcrowding. Hospital-level solutions include smoothing elective admissions across the week; discharging patients earlier in the day; discharging patients on the weekends; and the Full Capacity Action plan. ED-level solutions include incorporating a Team Triage model; improving radiology turnaround times; improving availability and timeliness of ancillary services; and improving timeliness of consultants.