neuraalmetingen

Neuraalmetingen is the Dutch term for the measurement of neural activity. It encompasses a range of techniques that capture electrical, chemical, or hemodynamic signals produced by the nervous system.

The most common method of neuraalmetingen is electroencephalography (EEG). EEG records voltage fluctuations at the scalp using electrodes placed according to a standardized 10‑20 system. The data are analyzed to identify patterns such as alpha, beta, and theta waves, which are useful for diagnosing epilepsy, sleep disorders, and monitoring anesthesia depth. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures the magnetic fields generated by neuronal currents and offers higher spatial resolution than EEG, but it requires specialised magnetically shielded rooms.

For invasive recordings, intracranial EEG (iEEG) and electrocorticography (ECoG) provide direct access to cortical surfaces. These techniques are frequently used during pre‑operative evaluation for epilepsy surgery. Microscopic neural activity can also be captured using single‑unit recordings in animal studies, where microelectrodes track spikes from individual neurons.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures blood‑oxygen‑level‑dependent (BOLD) signals to infer neural activity indirectly through changes in blood flow. Combined EEG‑fMRI studies exploit the temporal resolution of EEG and the spatial resolution of fMRI to produce a more complete picture of brain function.

Recent advances in optogenetics and calcium imaging allow researchers to link specific neurotransmitter release or intracellular calcium dynamics to behavioral outputs. Machine learning algorithms are increasingly employed to interpret the vast data outputs of these modalities, improving the detection of subtle patterns associated with neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Neuraalmetingen remain essential for both clinical diagnosis and basic neuroscience research. They help map functional networks, guide surgical interventions, and support the development of neuroprosthetic devices. Continued technological improvements promise higher precision, reduced invasiveness, and expanded applications across human and animal studies.