1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Sleep Disorders

Definition of EEG

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

Created: February 12, 2009

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

Definition: A measurement of the continuous brain-wave patterns, or electrical activity of the brain, as recorded with the placement of small metal discs called electrodes positioned in a standardized pattern on the scalp. The resulting tracing reflects the summation of the activity of millions of individual neurons. The voltage and frequency is interpreted and it is useful for assessing brain death, seizure activity, and for determining stages of sleep.
Pronunciation: Ee-lek-trow-in-sef-uh-low-gram
Also Known As: Electroencephalogram
Examples: The EEG showed that I have seizures while I sleep.
Explore Sleep Disorders
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Sleep Disorders
  4. Glossary
  5. Sleep Glossary A - E
  6. EEG - Definition of EEG

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.