EEG makes it possible to gather real-time information about brain activity through the measurement of the electrical activity of neurons. Signals produced by the neurons are measured with electrodes placed on the scalp. In our lab, we use a 128-channel HD-EEG that tells us about where the signal is located on the scalp.
In this part of the study, we place an EEG cap on the participant’s head and ask them to sit comfortably in a chair and relax. First, we record the signals while the participant is relaxing with their eyes open for 5 minutes, then another 5 minutes with their eyes closed.
The examination of the resting state helps us explore the functional connections of the brain. We can measure the brain’s default mode network, and explore the connections between different parts of the brain.
On the recorded data we measure the brain activity associated to different areas in different frequency ranges (alpha, beta, gamma…). We also examine the level of coordination between the different brain areas (synchronicity/connectivity), paying special attention to the long-term connections between areas that are located far from each other and the short-term connections inside an area.
With the help of resting state EEG-examinations we can measure the effect of maturation and experience on the development of brain networks, and we can also draw conclusions regarding the changes in brain structure.
The EEG study conducted in our lab is completely safe and harmless.
