Daily Almanac for
Feb 16, 2012
Search: Infoplease Info search tips
Search: Biographies Bio search tips
| Share
 
Encyclopediaelectroencephalography

Uses of EEGs

By observing abnormalities in recordings and determining the area of the brain from which they originate, the physician's ability to diagnose and treat such conditions as epilepsy, cerebral tumor, encephalitis, and stroke, is greatly enhanced. Electroencephalograms have also proven valuable in the general study of brain physiology and in the particular study of sleep. Various types of Eastern meditation, e.g., yoga, use techniques that increase alpha and theta wave activity. Because of concomitant physiological changes during meditation, e.g., lessened anxiety, the techniques have recently become popular in the West. Using EEGs to enhance biofeedback, a subject can be taught to monitor and regulate his or her own brain waves; the technique has been used experimentally in control of epilepsy. EEGs are also used to determine brain death (see death).

Sections in this article:

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

    • Cite
    • Print
    • Bookmark

Premium Partner Content
HighBeam Research

Related content from HighBeam Research on: electroencephalography: Uses of EEGs

Additional search results provided by HighBeam Research, LLC. © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

A free, reliable Q&A site for homework help. Answerplease.com

24 X 7

Private Tutor

Click Here for Details
24 x 7 Tutor Availability
Unlimited Online Tutoring
1-on-1 Tutoring