EEG amplitude is measured in which units, whereas EEG frequency is measured in which units?

EEG amplitude is measured in which units, whereas EEG frequency is measured in which units?

• A. Microvolts, Hertz
• B. Volts, Hertz
• C. Millivolts, cycles per second
• D. Microvolts, volts

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is that EEG amplitude is measured in microvolts, whereas EEG frequency is measured in hertz. EEG amplitude refers to the magnitude of the electrical signals generated by neuronal activity in the brain. Microvolts are a convenient unit for measuring these small voltage changes. The typical amplitude of brain wave activity captured in an EEG can often range from a few microvolts to several hundred microvolts, which is why this unit is standard. On the other hand, EEG frequency is concerned with how often these electrical cycles occur over time. Hertz (Hz) is the standard unit of frequency and represents cycles per second. Different brain states (such as sleep, wakefulness, and relaxation) are characterized by specific frequency bands, such as delta (0.5–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz), and gamma (above 30 Hz). Understanding these measurements is essential in interpreting EEG data and assessing brain function, making this knowledge fundamental for sleep technicians.

The correct answer is that EEG amplitude is measured in microvolts, whereas EEG frequency is measured in hertz.

EEG amplitude refers to the magnitude of the electrical signals generated by neuronal activity in the brain. Microvolts are a convenient unit for measuring these small voltage changes. The typical amplitude of brain wave activity captured in an EEG can often range from a few microvolts to several hundred microvolts, which is why this unit is standard.

On the other hand, EEG frequency is concerned with how often these electrical cycles occur over time. Hertz (Hz) is the standard unit of frequency and represents cycles per second. Different brain states (such as sleep, wakefulness, and relaxation) are characterized by specific frequency bands, such as delta (0.5–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz), and gamma (above 30 Hz).

Understanding these measurements is essential in interpreting EEG data and assessing brain function, making this knowledge fundamental for sleep technicians.