To conclude, different levels of consciousness appear differently on an EEG. This wave pattern is most commonly witnessed during slow wave sleep and infants under the age of 1 years old. However, delta waves seem to be the highest in amplitude, so they have the strongest intensity. These waves have a frequency of up to 4Hz, and so are the slowest waves. The frequency is the number of wave cycles per second, also known as hertz (Hz).īelow are descriptions of the types of EEG patterns: The other is the frequency, which is the quantity or the speed of activity. The first is amplitude, which shows the intensity or the size of the activity. These four patterns have two basic properties which are examined by doctors and psychologists. There are four types of EEG patterns that can be noticed on a recording: alpha waves, beta waves, theta waves, and delta waves. The electrical impulses in an EEG recording have the appearance of wavy lines with peaks and valleys. Brain damage as a result of a head injury.As an EEG can determine changes in brain activity, this is a useful method for diagnosing brain disorders.īelow are some of the conditions which can be detecting and measured from an EEG: These electrical impulses are displayed as wavy lines on an EEG recording.Ī doctor may advise the use of an EEG to be able to diagnose several conditions. This is how neurons pass messages to each other in order for behaviors, thought, and other conscious or unconscious processes to occur.ĮEGs record the electrical activity for a period of time to be able to indicate the level of activity in the brain. The electrical activity in the brain is known as action potential, or nerve impulses. The electrodes of the EEG analyze the electrical impulses that are being communicated in the brain, which then gets transmitted to a computer which monitors the results. EEG is used to show the presence or absence of specific brain activity in specific areas of the brain, with an accuracy within milliseconds. The recording shows the electrical activity from small areas of the brain. The electrodes cannot pick up signals for individual neurons. The cells of the brain communicate to each other via electrical impulses, which are picked up by the EEG through small metal discs, called electrodes, which get attached to the scalp. German physiologist Hans Berger was known as the inventor of the EEG back in 1924 where he conducted the first EEG on a human. It produces a chart (an encephalogram) which shows how Which can detect and record minute changes in electrical activity within the brain. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a neuroimaging test Your doctor will let you know if you need to stop taking any of your medicines beforehand.What is an EEG Test (Electroencephalogram)?īy Olivia Guy-Evans, published June 16, 2021 It’s also best to avoid food or drinks that contain caffeine (including coffee, tea, cola and chocolate) for at least 8 hours before the test. Avoid using conditioners, hairsprays, styling gels or other hair products. Wash your hair the night before or the day of the test, so that the discs stay attached to your scalp. Sometimes EEGs are conducted when you have purposely been sleep-deprived. You may be asked to do some deep breathing, look at a flashing light or sleep during the test.Īn EEG takes about an hour, but may be longer for a sleep recording.
You will need to keep still during the test. You won’t feel any sensations from the discs. These discs are also attached to wires that send the electrical signals to a computer to record the brain waves. They are usually kept in place with a sticky paste. What does an EEG test involve?ĭuring the EEG, flat metal discs (electrodes) will be placed all over your scalp. Although an EEG is one of the main tools for diagnosing epilepsy, a negative or normal EEG test does not necessarily rule out epilepsy. encephalopathy (brain dysfunction that may have a variety of causes)Īn EEG cannot diagnose mental illnesses.Your doctor may recommend an EEG to diagnose or monitor conditions including: What conditions can an EEG test help diagnose? The test is safe and doesn’t hurt, as it is merely recording the brain’s electrical activity. If something is unusual about the brain’s electrical activity, it will show up in the EEG recording. This electrical activity is shown on a computer as ‘brain waves’, which are interpreted by a specialist doctor. An EEG records the electrical signals sent between brain cells.
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