Elektroenkefalografian

Elektroenkefalografi, commonly known as EEG, is a non-invasive neurophysiological monitoring method used to record the electrical activity of the brain. It involves placing small metal disc electrodes on the scalp, which detect the tiny electrical charges generated by brain cells, or neurons, as they communicate. These signals are then amplified and recorded by a computer, which displays them as wavy lines, representing brainwave patterns.

The primary applications of EEG are in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of neurological conditions. It is particularly valuable in the diagnosis of epilepsy, where it can detect abnormal electrical discharges that characterize seizures. EEG is also used to assess brain damage due to head injuries, strokes, or brain tumors, and to evaluate sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy. Furthermore, it plays a role in diagnosing certain metabolic or degenerative brain diseases and in determining brain death.

The procedure itself is painless and safe. Patients are typically asked to remain still during the recording, which can last from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the clinical question. Sometimes, specific activation procedures, such as hyperventilation or photic stimulation (exposure to flashing lights), are used to provoke or highlight abnormalities. The interpretation of EEG recordings requires specialized expertise, as the patterns can be influenced by numerous factors, including age, alertness, and medication. While EEG provides valuable information about brain function, it does not measure brain activity directly from individual neurons but rather reflects the synchronized activity of large neuronal populations.