from Part I - Introduction
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2024
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.
To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure no-reply@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.
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 Dropbox.
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.