What is an Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Published 6/11/2023

Have you ever pondered the intricate workings of your brain and how its billions of neurons work and streamline brain functions? An Electroencephalogram or EEG allows doctors to probe your brain's electrical impulses. 

EEG employs small metal discs secured to your scalp with wires to detect the electric signals your neurons produce. These signals get recorded as brain waves, which then undergo analysis to uncover abnormalities.
 
EEG proves crucial for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy or seizures and for monitoring brain disorders. Read on as we explore exactly how an EEG operates and why selecting a reputable EEG monitoring service proves essential for improving your brain health.

History of EEG

In 1924, German psychiatrist Hans Berger invented the first electroencephalogram or EEG. Motivated by his sister's near-fatal accident years prior, Berger sought a method for illuminating the human brain's inner workings. His perseverance culminated in the world's maiden electroencephalogram.

Early EEG required placing electrodes straight onto the exposed brain during surgery. Berger's EEG used non-invasive electrodes adhered to the scalp, detecting brain electrical activity equally well without opening the skull.
While science has evolved EEG into a sophisticated instrument, its purpose remains unchanged from Berger's time: illuminating your brain's electrical hub to assess function or spot potential dysfunction.

EEG technology has progressed rapidly in the decades since Berger's pioneering work. Now, non-invasive electrodes attached to the scalp detect the brain's electrical activity as accurately as early surgical EEG without operating. 

Modern EEG has moved far beyond merely reading brain waves. Today's computer analysis of EEG data results in color-coded, 3D maps of real-time brain function. Advances in signal processing allow machine learning algorithms to detect subtle EEG patterns, improving the accuracy of EEG-based diagnosis and treatment of conditions like Alzheimer's or ADHD.

How EEG Works

EEG employs a network of small electrodes secured to your scalp to spotlight the intricate inner workings of your neural communications grid in action. These disks detect the tiny electrical impulses that neurons generate as they pass signals between each other to coordinate essential functions life makes possible.

The electromagnetic field created by this constant neural signaling gets recorded as squiggly lines, known as brain waves. An eminent neurologist can then scrutinize these brain waves, looking for patterns that may point to potential abnormalities like epilepsy or analyze changes indicating whether a treatment is working optimally.
 
EEG provides an unparalleled glimpse into your brain's electrical symphony without invasive needles or dyes. For illuminating your brain health and function, nothing sparks quite like the power of EEG.

Benefits of EEG

• EEG requires no needles or dyes to illuminate your brain function.
• EEG represents an inexpensive and low-risk procedure.
• Unlike CT or MRI, EEG does not expose you to radiation.
• EEG provides instant feedback on your brain's electrical activity and responses to stimuli.
• It stands as the gold standard for diagnosing epilepsy and determining seizure activity.
• EEG helps monitor the severity and recovery from concussions or head trauma.
• It can determine whether medications or therapies are working optimally.
• EEG during sleep studies helps uncover conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
• Monitoring high-risk groups: EEG helps monitor those at high risk for stroke, Alzheimer's or other brain health issues.
• EEG provides critical data for investigating conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, ADHD or depression.
• By pinpointing the underlying dysfunction, EEG diminishes guesswork in selecting appropriate treatments.

Risks Associated with EEG

While largely a low-risk procedure, EEG has some minor risks to be aware of. The electrodes and gel used can sometimes irritate the scalp or cause discomfort. Rarely, allergic reactions to the electrodes or gel may occur. 

EEG is not advisable for those with severely fractured skulls or skin infections on the scalp. Due to its reliance on picking up electrical signals, EEG may be affected by specific muscle movements like eye blinking.

Why Choose a Reliable EEG Monitoring Service?

Selecting a reputable EEG monitoring company proves essential for gaining accurate insights into your brain health. Look for a company with technologists trained explicitly in administering EEG. 

An EEG represents only raw data, and expert analysis and diagnosis remain critical. An experienced neurologist can adequately analyze your EEG data, distinguishing artifacts from medically significant patterns. 

Minimize guesswork in your care by choosing a dedicated EEG monitoring company with a proven track record of skillfully administering this vital test. Contact Neurotech, a reputable EEG monitoring service who specializes in ambulatory EEGs, facility-based EEGs and remote EEG monitoring services.