Analysis of the Electrical Activity of the Brain

Ever since Galvani?s discovery of the electrical sensitivity of the neuromuscular system in 1791, and the subsequent discovery that the EEG varied systematically with the functional state of the brain, progress in neurophysiology and its clinical application has been dependent upon advances in technology. With the advent of computers, however, technology is no longer the rate-limiting factor. Computer programs are readily available to detect biologically significant signals amid background noise, to characterise the EEG in terms of its spectral composition and dimensionality, and even to calculate its anatomical generators from the topography of surface potentials and their derivatives. Nowadays, therefore, problems tend to be encountered with the utility of the available mathematical algorithms, and the ability of mathematicians and neurophysiologist to share their ideas. Analysis of the Electrical Activity of the Brain aims to provide an accessible introduction to the use of mathematical concepts and algorithms in EEG data analysis and to promote an exchange of ideas between the disciplines of neurophysiology and applied mathematics. Divided into sections covering nonlinear dynamical analysis, spectral analysis, signal detection, and topography and source localisation, the book includes details on all the latest techniques in addition to providing clear and understandable accounts of established methods. Worked examples and case studies are featured to enable clinical neurophysiologists to increase their understanding of methods and to improve their knowledge of everyday techniques. General and experimental neurophysiologists, neurologists and physiologists, together with applied mathematicians, will also find this book to be of interest.

An accessible introduction to the methods used in measuring electrical changes in the brain. It allows clinicians to increase their understanding of the methods and improve their day-to-day techniques. The book also demonstrates any assumptions in the methodologies and gives guidelines on interpreting results. Features worked examples and case studies.