Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) can lead to long-term cognitive dysfunction and diagnosis and treatment, thereby increasing the economic burden on families and society. Therefore, cerebral function monitoring in septic patients is of great clinical significance. In the ICU setting, the neurological assessment of septic patients is often hindered by multiple confounding factors. Electroencephalogram (EEG) plays a critical role in the assessment of SAE due to its non-invasive nature and high sensitivity. Therefore, this article focuses on the specific advances in the application of EEG in SAE, aiming to provide a methodological basis and evidence-based support for the early identification and prediction of SAE.