Elektroensefalograafe

Elektroensefalograafe, commonly abbreviated as EEG, is a non-invasive neurophysiological monitoring method used to record the electrical activity of the brain. This activity is detected by placing small electrodes onto the scalp. These electrodes capture the tiny electrical impulses generated by neurons firing in the brain. The signals are then amplified and recorded by a computer, which displays them as a series of wavy lines, representing different brainwave frequencies.

The primary application of EEG is in the diagnosis and monitoring of epilepsy, where it can identify abnormal electrical patterns indicative of seizures. It is also used to assess brain function in patients with sleep disorders, brain injuries, stroke, and certain brain tumors. EEG can help differentiate between various stages of sleep and can be employed in coma and brain death evaluations. In some research settings, EEG is used to study cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and learning.

While EEG is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has limitations. It is highly sensitive to movement artifacts and electrical interference. The interpretation of EEG recordings requires specialized training, as subtle variations in brainwave patterns can be difficult to distinguish from normal activity. Furthermore, EEG provides a broad overview of electrical activity and does not pinpoint the exact location of neural activity with high spatial resolution, unlike some other neuroimaging techniques. Despite these limitations, EEG remains a cornerstone in neurological diagnostics and research due to its accessibility, relatively low cost, and excellent temporal resolution, which allows for the detection of rapid brain changes.