EEG and Its Significance

Source- This post on the EEG and Its Significance has been created based on the article “100 years of EEG: how does it work and what is its significance?” published in “The Hindu” on 16 July 2024.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first human electroencephalogram (EEG), created by German physiologist Hans Berger.

EEG measures the electrical activity in the brain generated by neurons. Researchers use EEG in fields like neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and neurolinguistics.

About EEG

i) EEG stands for electroencephalography- ‘Electro‘ pertains to electricity, ‘encephalo‘ to the brain, and ‘graphy‘ to representation.

ii) EEG is commonly used to diagnose epilepsy and monitor anaesthesia effects, sleep patterns, coma activity, and brain death.

iii) Working of EEG- Neurons in the brain move electrically charged particles, creating electrical activity. EEG tests visualize this activity and help distinguish between normal and abnormal brain states.

iv) Advantage of EEG- EEG setups are simple and cost-effective. The equipment is small, doesn’t emit radiation or noise, and is non-invasive and portable.

v) Disadvantages of EEG-
a. Setting up an EEG test takes time, as this process includes applying gel and placing electrodes. Thicker hair can affect EEG readings.
b. EEG is good at tracking rapid electrical activity in the brain but is biased towards signals near the brain’s surface. It may not accurately pinpoint the origin of electrical activity within the brain.

To overcome limitations, EEG is often used with other tests like MRI and advanced data processing methods.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology