Electroencephalography (EEG) is a powerful tool used to measure electrical brain activity. But what exactly is EEG capable of? Let’s delve into some of its key capabilities:
Even something simple like scratching your head because the electrodes are making your scalp itchy could show up as abnormal brain activity, so your notes need to be as detailed as possible. A routine EEG can be done with or without video monitoring—where you are videotaped during the test to see if you have abnormal brain waves during specific movements or activities. An EEG is a test that measures your brain waves and helps detect abnormal brain activity. The results of an EEG can be used to rule out or confirm conditions, such as epilepsy, a brain tumor, or a stroke. If an EEG is done for diagnostic purposes, the focus is on how often waves occur (frequency) and how high they are (amplitude). Deviations from typical wave patterns can be signs of an illness or disorder.
1. Detecting Brain Activity
Think of the last time you tried to solve a crossword puzzle or started to learn a new language. Recall the last time you woke up in the middle of a weird dream or needed to find your way in a city you have never been to before. Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. For all open access content, the Creative Commons licensing terms apply.
EEG is capable of detecting various types of brain activity, such as alpha waves, beta waves, delta waves, and theta waves. This information can provide valuable insights into a person’s cognitive functioning and emotional state.
Additional outputs (with USB ports available) are now able to record oximetry, carbon dioxide monitors, and DC channels among others to integrate more physiological functions with EEG for comprehensive assessment. Software additions assist with spike and seizure identification. Artificial intelligence is evolving to help assist with final interpretation that may be especially useful in underserved, under-represented areas and institutions where high volumes need compression (37). An electroencephalogram, or EEG, is a test that uses small metal discs, called electrodes, that attach to your scalp to record brain wave activity. Electrical changes are recorded on a graph, either on a computer screen or paper, as the test is performed. Depending on the patient’s circumstances, their healthcare provider may use stimuli like sounds or flashing lights to measure the brain’s response.
Intracortical Encephalogram electrodes and sub-dural electrodes can be used in tandem to discriminate and discretize artifact from epileptiform and other severe neurological events. EEG can be used simultaneously with NIRS or fUS without major technical difficulties. There is no influence of these modalities on each other and a combined measurement can give useful information about electrical activity as well as hemodynamics at medium spatial resolution.
2. Monitoring Sleep Patterns
An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes affixed to the scalp. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other conditions that cause seizures. Electrodes are placed on the scalp and will remain for the test duration, typically between 30 minutes to 2 hours. They may be asked to breathe deeply or look at a flashing light, which can change the brain’s electrical activity and potentially induce a seizure.
• The pins on the tip of the electrodes connect to the jack box. Electrode leads have a site-specific location on the jack box, reflecting the anatomical location where the electrode is attached to the head. The jack box is connected via an insulated input cable to the EEG machine, where amplification of the waveforms occurs.
EEG can be used to monitor sleep patterns by measuring the different stages of sleep. This information is essential for diagnosing sleep disorders and understanding the quality of sleep an individual is getting.
3. Diagnosing Neurological Disorders
EEG is instrumental in diagnosing neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. It can detect abnormal brain activity patterns that are indicative of these conditions.
4. Guiding Treatment Plans
EEG results can help healthcare professionals develop personalized treatment plans for patients with neurological conditions. By understanding the specific brain activity patterns, doctors can tailor interventions to address individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about EEG
Q: Is EEG safe?
A: Yes, EEG is a safe and non-invasive procedure that involves placing electrodes on the scalp to measure brain activity.
Q: How long does an EEG test take?
A: An EEG test typically takes around 30-60 minutes to complete, depending on the specific protocol used.
In conclusion, EEG is a versatile tool with a wide range of capabilities, from detecting brain activity to guiding treatment plans. Its non-invasive nature and ability to provide valuable insights make it an indispensable tool in the field of neuroscience.
