How to Read an EEG

Demystifying the interpretation of EEGs in a clear, concise, and stepwise pocket guide with examples for many common clinical scenarios.

Neville M. Jadeja (Author)

9781108825641, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 July 2021

268 pages
18.6 x 12.4 x 1.3 cm, 0.3 kg

'The book takes a stepwise approach to the interpretation of EEGs. It is particularly effective in highlighting the various EEG patterns readers may come across and the clinical significance of each of these findings. This is something I have not seen systematically addressed in other commonly recommended EEG-reading guides and is a highlight of this book, allowing it to serve as a useful reference.' Alexander Buslov, Doody's Reviews

The EEG is a simple and widely available neurophysiological test that, if interpreted correctly, can provide valuable insight into the functioning of the brain. However, despite its increasing usage in a range of settings, there is a common misconception that the EEG is inherently difficult to interpret. Compounding the problem is the lack of dedicated training and no standardized approach by encephalographers. This book provides a clear and concise guide to reading and interpreting EEGs in a systematic way. Presented in three sections, the first delivers foundational technical knowledge of how EEGs work, and the second concentrates on a comprehensive, stepwise approach to reading and interpreting an EEG. The third section contains examples of EEGs in common scenarios, such as seizures and post-cardiac arrest, enabling readers to correlate their findings to clinical indications. Heavily illustrated with over 200 example EEGs, this is an essential pocket guide to interpreting these tests.

Part I. Basics: 1. Introduction
2. Polarity
3. Montages
4. Localization
5. Active reference
6. Frequencies and rhythms
7. Maturation
8. Normal adult EEG
Part II. Interpretation: 9. Approach to EEG reading
10. Background
11. Foreground
12. Common artifacts
13. Normal variants
14. Sporadic abnormalities
15. Repetitive abnormalities
16. Ictal patterns (electrographic seizures)
17. Activation procedures
Part III. Specific conditions: 18. Common seizure mimics
19. Seizures
20. Epilepsies
21. Epilepsy syndromes
22. Focal dysfunction (lesions)
23. Global dysfunction (encephalopathy)
24. Status epilepticus
25. Post cardiac arrest
26. Brain death.

Subject Areas: Medical imaging [MMP], Psychiatry [MMH], Neurology & clinical neurophysiology [MJN]