The Brain and the EEG

The Brain and the EEGBy: Ashley Dudman

The electroencephalogram (EEG) testThe electrical activity of the intellectual capacity also known as the brain, can be measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG) test

Intelligence cannot be measured by an EEG test

The Procedure Make sure to shampoo the hair the night before Do not use conditioner, oils, cologne and remove a weave if applicableNo intake of caffeine 8 hours before the test Some procedures will require the patient to be sleeping, so reduce hours of sleep the night before to insure a safe and sound procedureThe electrodes on the head may be sticky, but the procedure should be painless. No distress should occur

Reasons to perform an EEGMany health conditions can be observed such as: TumorsInfectionsConfusion/unconsciousness Head injuriesAlzheimer's and other brain diseasesUnusual changes in body composition that affect the brain

Sleep disorders can be monitoredIf performing brain surgery, the brain can be watchedCan help decide if no brain activity is present (brain dead) The EEG also identifies seizures

Normal results Different levels of alertness correspond to different frequencies. When you are sleeping, brain waves are slower and when you are awake, brain waves are faster

*Normal results do not infer that no seizures occurred

Normal patterns of these brainwaves are shown on the image located on the next slide

Sample EEG brainwaves

Interpreting abnormal resultsIf one receives abnormal results it could be because of the following:

HemorrhagesTumorsDrug or alcohol abuseHead injurySleep disordersSwelling of the brain Migraines SeizuresProblems with attention Blood flow blockage (promotes tissue death)

Works Citedhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003931.htmhttp://meditationasheville.blogspot.com/2011/03/holosync-binaural-beat-meditation-cds.htmlhttp://www.pacaudiology.com/For-Dizziness.htmlhttp://mysmalltreasures.blogspot.com/2009/11/i-can-finally-look-at-this-picture-and.htmlwww.heraldextra.com http://www.csulb.edu/~cwallis/482/eeg/eeg.htmlwww.essentialoils.com http://bgr.com/2012/08/31/brain-wave-hacking-technology-research-eeg-headsets/