Electroencefalografía

Electroencefalografía, commonly known as EEG, is a non-invasive neurophysiological diagnostic technique used to record the electrical activity of the brain. It involves placing small metal discs called electrodes onto the scalp, which detect the tiny electrical impulses generated by neurons firing. These impulses are then amplified and displayed as wavy lines on a computer screen, representing brainwave patterns. Different brain states, such as wakefulness, sleep, or periods of seizure activity, are characterized by distinct EEG patterns.

The primary applications of EEG include the diagnosis and monitoring of epilepsy, where it helps identify seizure types and their origins. It is also utilized in the evaluation of sleep disorders, brain injuries, stroke, brain tumors, and altered states of consciousness like coma. EEG can be performed in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and sleep laboratories. While EEG is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has limitations. Its spatial resolution is relatively poor, meaning it cannot pinpoint the exact location of electrical activity within the brain with high precision. Furthermore, electrical signals from muscles or the environment can sometimes interfere with the readings. Despite these limitations, EEG remains a cornerstone in the assessment of brain function.