• Question: How do our brain cells communicate with an electroencephalogram (EEG) ?

    Asked by Ariola :) to Deborah, Euan, Maheen, Rob, Stu on 21 Jun 2016.
    • Photo: Rob Stanley

      Rob Stanley answered on 21 Jun 2016:

      EEGs pick up natural electrical activity in your brain, so our brains don’t directly communicate, but it’s more like we’re eavesdropping on what is going on.

    • Photo: Maheen Siddiqui

      Maheen Siddiqui answered on 21 Jun 2016:

      Hi Ariola :),

      Thanks for the question!

      EEG is a technique where the it picks up on “electrical signals” or “impulses” at the surface of the brain. When different regions of the brain communicate with each other, they do so by the use of these electrical signals that travel extremely fast (The fastest travel at about 250 mph, faster than a Formula 1 racing car!). The EEG can actually detect these electrical changes that occur. But its not very good at tell us which part of the brain was active because it only picks up signals from the surface of the brain!

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