Abstract
The electroencephalography (EEG) was discovered by Hans Berger in 1924, with the first report published in 1929. The ability to record brain activity at the speed of thought had a profound influence on science and medicine in at least 3 main areas. The first main impact was that EEG opened new avenues for understanding the psychophysiology of mental processes. Berger provided researchers with a non-invasive method to investigate brain function and activity in ways that were previously not possible. Recording and studying electrical activity in the brain marked a significant advancement in neuroscience, allowing scientists to identify and investigate different types of brain waves, i.e., alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves. Understanding these oscillatory patterns has contributed to our knowledge of brain function during sensory, motor, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and resting activities, and during different states of consciousness and sleep, among other states and processes. The development of EEG-based signal averaging revealed evoked and event-related potentials, which further illuminated sub-second neural and mental activity, much like a microscope allows for the visualization of a rich biology hidden from the naked eye.
The second main impact was in the clinic. The EEG became an essential tool in clinical settings for detecting abnormalities in brain function and, specifically, diagnosing and monitoring various neurological conditions, such as epileptic seizures, sleep disorders, and other neurological disorders. In particular, Berger's EEG discovery revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. EEG recordings are crucial in identifying abnormal electrical activity in the brain, helping physicians to diagnose and manage epilepsy more effectively. In psychiatric research, it has been applied to understand clinical conditions such as psychosis, depression, anxiety, and attention disorders. Research using EEG to understand impaired neural activity affecting thought and behaviors is a huge endeavor and key to the development of individualized treatments. It is a goal of the Electroencephalography and Clinical Neuroscience Society to increase the use of EEG in psychiatry and neurology, as no other imaging tool can visualize neural activity at the speed of thought.
The third impact of EEG is on technical development and application, both in electronics and in novel treatments. The utility of EEG in neuroscience and the clinic has led to technological progress in EEG equipment, encouraging advances in the construction of electrodes and amplifiers and signal processing, improving the accuracy and reliability of EEG recordings. For example, wireless wearable EEG systems allow for continuous EEG recordings outside of the clinic. Berger's work also laid the foundation for developing and applying 2 techniques: neurofeedback (NFB) and brain–computer interfaces (BCI). Using real-time EEG data to help individuals learn how to regulate their brain activity, NFB is a therapeutic technique in treating various neurological and psychological conditions. In BCI, EEG signals control external devices, allowing individuals with disabilities to interact with their environment using their brain activity.
In commemoration of the impactful and momentous scientific discovery of the EEG, Clinical EEG and Neuroscience will publish special articles about the clinical contributions of EEG during the next 5 years, culminating in a special collection of EEG Centennial Commemorative articles. We invite submissions regarding clinical EEG specifically for consideration as a commemorative article. This journal was founded by Frederic Gibbs, who pioneered the clinical use of EEG in the United States. How fitting, then, for our Journal to honor the discovery of EEG by featuring articles attesting to the continued importance of EEG in clinical settings 100 years later.
We look forward to receiving your commemorative articles.