At CNNH, we are proud to announce the availability of the latest in non-invasive EEG technology: Dense Array EEG using the Geodesic® EEG System 300 from Electrical Geodesics, Inc. (EGI) Dense Array EEG is an improvement on standard approaches to EEG, as it uses a much larger number of “electrodes” (small saline soaked sponges that are able to record the electrical activity of the brain) so that there is better accuracy and localization of the source of any abnormal electrical activity.

EGI has devised an ingenuous way to apply the large number of electrodes (128 in our system) by devising a “net” that can apply the electrodes in minutes. The application is painless, reduces patient anxiety about the test and, therefore, increases compliance. Additionally, the net application does not require the need for sedation, and since there is no abrasion of the scalp, as is used with standard EEG, there is a reduced risk of infection. Our registered EEG technician Kimberly Catterall has specialized training and experience in the use of dense array apparatus, and strives to create a good experience for patients without the need for sedation.

Just as Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) allow a structural image of the brain, Dense Array EEG is a way to electrically “image” the brain, as the electrical information that is gathered is run through a powerful computer that allows the location of the electrical activity to be determined with great accuracy. Recent software advances in this technology now provides for the electrical source to be mapped right on to a MRI.

Dense Array EEG has been used for many years for research applications investigating aspects of brain function and mind control, and has been featured on the cover of National Geographic and Newsweek. Dense Array EEG is a useful clinical tool in our office for the detection of electrical abnormalities associated with seizure activity (i.e. Epilepsy,) but also for “subclinical” electrical activity that might be interfering with attention or learning:

click here to see a reprint of recently presented research from our group on this topic.

There are many other exciting clinical applications and uses of Dense Array EEG.

Please browse this *PDF file to read an interview with Dr. Mintz about Dense Array EEG.