Quantitative EEG: I. Techniques and problems of frequency analysis and topographic mapping.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Quantitative EEG (qEEG) employs sophisticated analytical techniques beyond traditional EEG.
• These methods include spectral analysis and topographic mapping of brain electrical activity.
• qEEG analysis is influenced by various factors including age, gender, alertness, and medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common quantitative EEG techniques and their associated advantages.
• To highlight the significant statistical and technical challenges in qEEG interpretation.
• To guide clinicians in the appropriate use and understanding of qEEG data.

Main Methods:

• Review of various quantitative EEG analytical techniques, such as frequency analysis and significance probability mapping.
• Discussion of technical considerations in qEEG recording, including reference selection, channel count, and artifact rejection.
• Contrast of advantages and disadvantages of different qEEG methods.

Main Results:

• Assessment of normality in qEEG requires consideration of multiple patient and technical factors.
• Potential for misleading interpretations due to statistical complexities and artifacts, including those from computer processing.
• Technical choices in recording qEEG are critical, with optimal parameters not always clearly defined.

Conclusions:

• Users must possess a thorough understanding of statistical issues and potential pitfalls in qEEG.
• Familiarity with traditional EEG is essential for interpreting qEEG results accurately.
• qEEG should always be interpreted in conjunction with the raw paper EEG tracing.