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Brain electrical field measurements unaffected by linked earlobes reference.
S L Gonzalez Andino1, R D Pascual Marqui, P A Valdes Sosa
1Neurosciences Branch, National Center for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba.
Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Linking earlobes in electroencephalography (EEG) may distort readings, invalidating norms. However, this study found no significant differences, suggesting high skin impedance mitigates distortion effects in EEG measurements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) norms may be invalidated by theoretical distortions from linked earlobe references.
- A low-resistance path across linked earlobes could significantly alter measured electrical fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential distortion of EEG signals caused by linked earlobe references.
- To assess whether this distortion invalidates established quantitative EEG norms.
Main Methods:
- EEG recordings were obtained from 4 patients with unilateral lesions, comparing linked and unlinked earlobe references.
- Statistical analyses were performed to detect significant differences between the two recording conditions.
- Equivalent circuit analysis was used to model the electrical properties of the reference system.
Main Results:
- Statistical tests showed no significant differences in EEG recordings between linked and unlinked earlobe references.
- Equivalent circuit analysis indicated that high skin/electrode impedance renders the linked ear reference functionally similar to an ordinary reference.
Conclusions:
- The theoretical distortion of EEG signals by linked earlobe references appears to be negligible in practice.
- High skin/electrode impedance effectively neutralizes the potential distorting effect, preserving the validity of quantitative EEG norms.