Electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography in epilepsy and nonepileptic disorders

Recent advances in electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography are reviewed. Their relevance to epileptic and nonepileptic conditions is considered. The use of intensive video-EEG monitoring for the study or diagnosis of epilepsy is addressed. Studies using invasive EEG procedures for seizure analysis with or without surgical therapy are described. The integration of EEG with computer technologies is increasing, and studies using digital EEG recording and quantitative analysis in Alzheimer's disease and other disorders are reviewed. Environmental and behavioral effects on EEG are considered. The role of EEG in sleep-related electrophysiological monitoring is presented. Progress in magnetoencephalography is described, but as a newer technology its usefulness in epilepsy and other disorders remains to be proved, especially for clinical applications.