Human Electrophysiology

Neuro-Electrophysiology, a branch of physiology, involves measurements of voltage changes or electric current on a wide variety of scales, including large-scale electric signals from the nervous system. In human electrophysiology, it includes neurons and action potentials electrical activities measurements. By looking at the individual’s brain activity, specialists can determine how neuronal disorders happen.

What is Electro-Encephalography (EEG)?

EEG is the electrical activity of the brain recorded by the electrodes placed along the scalp. Typically, this is a non-invasive method, although sometimes invasive electrodes, called electrocorticography (ECoG), are used. Despite the low spatial resolution, EEG continues to be a valuable tool for research and diagnosis.

Advantages:

• Lower cost in comparison with other techniques.
• Very high temporal resolution, on the order of milliseconds.
• Commonly recorded at sampling rates between 250 and 2000 Hz in clinical and research applications.
• No side effects.
• Relatively tolerant of subject movement, unlike most other neuroimaging techniques.
• A silent technique, which allows for better study of the responses to auditory stimuli.
• A powerful tool for tracking brain changes during different phases of life.
• Applicable for sleep researches.