EEG - Electroencephalogram

The EEG is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain waves. The brain is actively at work at all time throughout life, even during sleep. The electrical activity appears as specific patterns of wavy lines, hence the term 'brainwaves". By evaluating the patterns formed by the brain, EEG's are used to assist in the diagnosis of various brain disorders, such as epilepsy, strokes or other brain lesions. They also use EEG's to evaluate the effects of head trauma or in determining the consequences of severe infectious disease. In general, the EEG acts as a indicator of brain function and grossly defines areas of abnormal involvement.

Electrodes are applied on the scalp which pick up the brain electrical impulses. The electrical impulses are transmitted through the wires and recorded on a computer. A neurologist reads, interprets and makes the final report on the EEG.