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Chapter 1 - EEG Basics

from Part I - Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2024

Neville M. Jadeja  and
Kyle C. Rossi
Neville M. Jadeja
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Kyle C. Rossi
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Medical School
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Summary

This chapter introduces the basic concepts of electroencephalography (EEG) and creates a foundation for further concepts. EEGs are graphical representations of continuous synaptic activity occurring in the pyramidal neurons within the superficial cortical surfaces. The EEG shows an arrangement of channels, each consisting of two electrodes, that record electrical potentials from the underlying cortex and display it in the form of waveforms. The appearance of each waveform is governed by three simple rules of polarity. Electrodes are small circular metallic discs that can be affixed to the scalp with glue or collodion and connected to the EEG machine. They are placed using the standardized international 10-20 system. Pairs of electrodes (channels) are displayed in different arrangements called montages which can be used to localize a waveform on the cortical surface. Display parameters such as sensitivity and filter settings may also modify the appearance of the waveforms. Waveforms may be described based on their frequency and rhythm. Features of the normal adult EEG as well as strengths and limitations of electroencephalography are also discussed in this chapter.

Keywords

polarityelectrodesinternational 10-20 systemmontageslocalizationfrequenciesrhythmssensitivitytime basefilters
Type
Chapter
Information
Critical Care EEG Basics
Rapid Bedside EEG Reading for Acute Care Providers
 , pp. 1 - 16
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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References

Eggenberger, E. Prion disease. Neurologic Clinics. 2007 Aug 1;25(3):833–42.Google Scholar
Acharya, JN, Hani, AJ, Cheek, J, Thirumala, P, Tsuchida, TN. American Clinical Neurophysiology Society Guideline 2: Guidelines for Standard Electrode Position Nomenclature. The Neurodiagnostic Journal. 2016 Oct 1;56(4):245–52.Google Scholar
Acharya, JN, Hani, AJ, Thirumala, P, Tsuchida, TN. American Clinical Neurophysiology Society Guideline 3: A Proposal for Standard Montages to Be Used in Clinical EEG. The Neurodiagnostic Journal. 2016 Oct 1;56(4):253–60.Google Scholar
Tatum, WO IV, Husain, AM, Benbadis, SR, Kaplan, PW. Normal adult EEG and patterns of uncertain significance. Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology. 2006 Jun 1;23(3):194–207.Google Scholar

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  • EEG Basics
  • Neville M. Jadeja, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Kyle C. Rossi, University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • Book: Critical Care EEG Basics
  • Online publication: 22 February 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009261159.004
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  • EEG Basics
  • Neville M. Jadeja, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Kyle C. Rossi, University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • Book: Critical Care EEG Basics
  • Online publication: 22 February 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009261159.004
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • EEG Basics
  • Neville M. Jadeja, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Kyle C. Rossi, University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • Book: Critical Care EEG Basics
  • Online publication: 22 February 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009261159.004
Available formats
×