Electroencephalography

Handb Clin Neurol. 2020:168:249-262. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63934-9.00018-4.

Abstract

The electroencephalogram (EEG) was invented almost 100 years ago and is still a method of choice for many research questions, even applications-from functional brain imaging in neuroscientific investigations during movement to real-time applications like brain-computer interfacing. This chapter gives some background information on the establishment and properties of the EEG. This chapter starts with a closer look at the sources of EEG at a micro or neuronal level, followed by recording techniques, types of electrodes, and common EEG artifacts. Then an overview on EEG phenomena, namely, spontaneous EEG and event-related potentials build the middle part of this chapter. The last part discusses brain signals, which are used in current BCI research, including short descriptions and examples of applications.

Keywords: Artifact; Electrode; Electrode system; Event-related potential; Evoked potential; Noninvasive BCI; Spontaneous EEG.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Waves / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography* / history
  • Electroencephalography* / methods
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans