This year marks the anniversary of electroencephalography (EEG), which has reshaped our understanding of the human brain. Today, EEG finds applications in various fields, including neuroscience research, clinical treatment and diagnosis and brain-computer interface. With increasing computing power and the advances in AI technologies the field of EEG is also rapidly evolving. In this article, we will expand on the notion of EEG, recall the most famous breakthroughs in history and dive deeper into its applications.
Significant EEG research of the 20th century
The history of electroencephalography (EEG) traces back to the late 19th century when Richard Caton, a British physician, initially recorded electrical activity from animal brains and provided the basis for EEG research. He observed rhythmic fluctuations in these signals, suggesting that the brain generates electrical activity.
Nevertheless, the biggest discovery happened in 1924, when German psychiatrist Hans Berger recorded the first human brainwave data. Initially, EEG was primarily used to diagnose epilepsy and other neurological disorders. As technology advanced, portable EEG devices and real-time analysis became possible.
Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
One of the most notable developments was the increased understanding of sleep stages. In 1953, Eugene Aserinsky and Nathaniel Kleitman discovered rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a distinct stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and vivid dreaming. By analyzing EEG patterns, researchers were able to identify the different stages of sleep and their associated brainwave patterns, shedding light on the complex nature of sleep and its importance for cognitive function and memory span.
Another significant application of EEG during this time was the study of epilepsy. EEG recordings helped to diagnose different types of seizures and to monitor brain activity during and after seizures. This information was significant in developing effective treatment strategies for individuals with epilepsy.
Behavioral research
It should also be noted that EEG was used to investigate attention, memory and problem-solving. These studies analyzed how the brain processes information and generates thoughts.
The 1960s also saw the rise of neuropsychology, which focuses on the relationship between brain function and behavior. Neuropsychologists concentrated on how brain damage affects cognitive functions, including language and speech.
Roger Sperry, in particular, made novel discoveries through his split-brain experiments. By studying patients with severed corpus callosum, Sperry revealed the distinct functions of the left and right hemispheres, demonstrating that the left hemisphere excels in language and logical reasoning, while the right hemisphere is dedicated to spatial abilities and emotional processing. This study fundamentally altered our knowledge of the intricacies of human cognition and brain lateralization.
Future prospects for EEG
As we look ahead, EEG has the potential to influence more disciplines and spheres. Here are some application examples where EEG is currently making a profound impact:
- Advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs): EEG-powered BCIs allow for smooth communication and device control with thought only. This has the potential to transform gaming, healthcare and accessibility for those with disabilities.
- Enhanced cognitive abilities: EEG can detect patterns linked to particular cognitive states, such as creativity, attentiveness or relaxation, by examining brainwaves. This can be useful when creating medical plans or coming up with stress-release methods, e.g., meditative techniques to diminish anxiety.
- Personalized mental health care: Early identification and treatment of mental health disorders are made possible by EEG’s ability to deliver real-time insights into emotional states.
- Drug research: By analyzing EEG data, researchers can identify specific biomarkers that correlate with different disease subtypes or patient responses to treatment. For example, patients with specific EEG patterns may be more likely to respond to certain medications or therapeutic interventions.
Final remarks
As we have seen, EEG has come a long way to get the acknowledgment that it has today. From understanding human cognition to identifying neurological diseases, it can be used in various neuroscience-related domains. We, at BrainAccess, are happy to be part of these developments and offer tools for neuroscience, neuromarketing, brain-computer interface, and beyond. You can find our hardware solutions here.
Sources:
Tassinari, C. A. (2019). An electroencephalographer recalls the history of the Federation on the 70th anniversary of its journal, Clinical Neurophysiology. Clinical Neurophysiology, 130(12), 2258–2263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2019.10.010
Sanders, L. (2022, March 30). How Hans Berger’s quest for telepathy spurred modern brain science. Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/hans-berger-telepathy-neuroscience-brain-eeg
Silber, M. H. (2023). Who discovered REM sleep? SLEEP, 47(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsad232
Roger Sperry’s Split Brain Experiments (1959–1968) | Embryo Project Encyclopedia. (2017, December 27). https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/roger-sperrys-split-brain-experiments-1959-1968-0Magiorkinis, E., Diamantis, A., Sidiropoulou, K., & Panteliadis, C. (2014). Highights in the History of Epilepsy: the last 200 years. Epilepsy Research and Treatment, 2014, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/582039
