EEG
amplification, also known as gain or sensitivity, plays a crucial role in EEG
recordings by determining the magnitude of electrical signals detected by the
electrodes placed on the scalp. Here is a detailed explanation of EEG
amplification:
1.Amplification
Settings: EEG machines allow for adjustment of the
amplification settings, typically measured in microvolts per millimeter
(μV/mm). Common sensitivity settings range from 5 to 10 μV/mm, but a wider
range of settings may be used depending on the specific requirements of the EEG
recording.
2.High-Amplitude
Activity: When high-amplitude signals are present in the
EEG, such as during epileptiform discharges or artifacts, it may be necessary
to compress the vertical display to visualize the full range of each channel
within the available space. This compression helps prevent saturation of the
signal and ensures that all amplitude levels are visible.
3.Vertical
Compression: Increasing the sensitivity value (e.g., from 10
μV/mm to 20 μV/mm) results in vertical compression, where the output amplitude
is compressed into a smaller space. This is useful for highlighting
high-amplitude activity but may reduce the visibility of low-amplitude signals.
4.Low-Amplitude
Activity: Conversely, low-amplitude signals, such as
background EEG activity, require lower sensitivity values to increase the
visibility of subtle changes. However, setting sensitivity values below 2 μV/mm
for cerebral activity may not be practical due to noise levels.
5.Frequency
Filtering: EEG devices typically record activity within a
frequency range of 0.1 to 125 Hz. Standard review settings often use a narrower
bandpass with a low-frequency filter (LFF) of 1 Hz and a high-frequency filter
(HFF) of 70 Hz. These filters help isolate EEG activity within the clinically
relevant frequency range.
6.Notch
Filter: In addition to the bandpass filters, EEG
machines may include a notch filter set to the frequency of the power supply's
AC current. This filter helps reduce noise from environmental electrical
currents, creating a cleaner EEG signal for analysis.
7.Impact on
Interpretation: Proper amplification settings are essential for
accurate interpretation of EEG data. Inadequate amplification may lead to
signal distortion or loss of important information, while excessive
amplification can result in saturation and masking of subtle abnormalities.
By
understanding and adjusting the amplification settings appropriately, EEG
technicians and clinicians can optimize the quality of EEG recordings, enhance
the visibility of relevant brain activity, and improve the accuracy of EEG
interpretation.
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