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Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method of tracking the electrical activity of the brain. It measures small voltage fluctuations that result from ionic currents in neurons. In layman’s terms, it measures brain waves.
EEG is commonly used for diagnosing epilepsy, sleep disorders, coma, brain death, encephalopathies, tumors, brain disorders, strokes, depth of anesthesia, and more. Some of these uses have decreased with the development of MRI and CT, but EEG remains a valuable diagnostic tool.
The medical EEG procedure typically requires a medical professional to place several gel-coated electrodes on a patient’s head. However, the new generation of consumer EEG headsets usually don’t require gel, and are much easier to use than traditional medical EEG.
EEG headsets are now widely used for improving focus and productivity, reducing anxiety, accelerating learning, relaxing before bed, improving sleep, and enhancing athletic performance.