Elements of EEG signal processing

Abstract

It is difficult to find well controlled clinical studies comparing the utility of the numerous EEG measures which have been described. A brief summary of the literature reveals a number of promising case reports, a few large series of patients, and fewer well-designed, well-controlled studies. The very abundance of algorithms makes even technical comparisons of the ability of each to transduce and reflect clinical changes useful (27, 29). Most studies are positive; but thus far (as with so many procedures in medicine), there is no definitive study demonstrating an unequivocal benefit to patients who are monitored with automated, online EEG analysis. That such a study may never be done should not detract from the possible benefits these techniques may bring to clinical practice, most particularly preparing the way for effective brain monitoring in situations in which it was impractical before.