Elektroencephalografiaan

Elektroencephalografiaan, often abbreviated as EEG, is a non-invasive neurophysiological technique used to record the electrical activity of the brain. It involves placing small, metal discs called electrodes onto the scalp. These electrodes detect tiny electrical impulses generated by the brain's neurons as they communicate. The signals are then amplified and displayed on a computer screen as wavy lines, representing brain wave patterns.

EEG is a valuable diagnostic tool used in various medical fields. It is particularly useful for identifying and monitoring epilepsy, as it can detect abnormal electrical discharges that characterize seizures. EEG is also employed to assess the severity of brain injuries, diagnose sleep disorders, and evaluate the effects of certain medications or treatments on brain function. In some cases, it can be used to help determine brain death.

The procedure itself is painless and does not involve any electrical stimulation of the brain. Patients are typically asked to lie still and may be instructed to perform simple tasks such as closing their eyes, opening them, or breathing deeply to observe how their brain activity responds. While EEG provides a valuable overview of brain activity, it has limitations in pinpointing the exact location of abnormalities compared to techniques like fMRI or PET scans. Nevertheless, its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and real-time recording capabilities make it an indispensable tool in neuroscience and clinical neurology.