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Definition of Brain Wave

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com

Updated: February 18, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: A brain wave is the summation of the electrical activity of numerous neurons as can be recorded by an EEG. These rapid fluctuations of voltage occur between various parts of the brain. These electrical patterns are described as having a given frequency, amplitude, and shape. They can be used to assess level of consciousness or sleep stage.
Examples: The pattern of brain wave activity shows that he is in deep sleep.
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