Non-Physiological Artefacts in EEG

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture by Alison Szekely regarding non-physiological artefacts in diagnostic electroencephalography.

Cortical activity

Brain electrical activity measuring approximately $100\,\mu\text{V}$ which can be obscured by non-cerebral activity due to equipment sensitivity.

Non-physiological artefacts

Artefacts arising from generator sources outside of the body, such as equipment, electrodes, the environment, and mechanics.

50Hz (Mains power)

The most common artefact characterized by stereotyped amplitude and frequency, often managed by decreasing impedance or bunching electrodes.

Drip

A rare artefact caused by an intravenous infusion drop falling near electrode wires, producing a high amplitude periodic spike transient with an illogical electric field distribution.

Electrode Pop

A high voltage deflection exceeding channel sensitivity limits, typically requiring an impedance check, electrode scrubbing, or re-gelling.

Movement Artefact

An irregular recording feature where characteristics like rhythmic or high amplitude patterns are determined by the nature of the physical movement.

Static Electricity Artefact

A rapid electrical discharge from synthetic clothing or bedding, appearing as high voltage spike transients with illogical and usually generalized distribution.

Topographic distribution

A characteristic used to identify artefacts based on their location on the scalp, such as frontal or occipital positions.