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Electroencephalography versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging

You might see this scene in the movies. A person who is suffering from a psychological or neurological disorder lies on a bed. Placed on his head are electrodes that are connected to a machine that displays zigzagging lines on a continuous roll of paper. Now, this scene is not just limited to movies. Researchers use this machine for electroencephalography (EEG), a process that monitors and records the electrical pulses that are fired from the neurons in a person's brain.

EEG is used for research purposes to study brainwaves in institutions that are engaged in neurological science, cognitive science, cognitive psychology, and psychophysiological research. Although it is based on an older technology than that of the newer functional magnetic resonance imaging machine (fMRI) equipment, researchers still use the EEG because its hardware components are far cheaper than the more advanced machine. Because an EEG machine is compact, it can easily be transferred from one location to another. An fMRI on the other hand, is bulky and immobile. In addition, this portable machine makes patients with claustrophobia feel more at ease. With the fMRI, the patient needs to be placed inside the machine itself, which resembles a huge dishwasher. However, this unpleasant experience is avoided when an EEG is used instead.

A patient is also more comfortable when hooked to an EEG machine because he can make small movements to ease stress and anxiety. With an fMRI, he must be completely motionless so that the machine can make accurate records. In addition, researchers who do studies that involve auditory responses often prefer to use an EEG machine because it is quiet and does not interfere with other auditory stimuli.


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