I have become aware of a study done (I’m not sure when) in which electroencephalograph (EEG) sensors were placed on a lump of Jello, and produced readings identical to those of a human brain. I think this was to demonstrate that EEG readings are practically useless as a clinical tool.
I would like to find out more about this study, and would appreciate any references or links to lead me to further information. I am interested because I do use the EEG clinically, and have been confronted with this study “as if” it invalidates the instrumentation we use.
This seems highly unlikely - what mechanism could exist in a blob of gelatin that would produce complex electrical pulses?
Aren’t there cases where the EEg is used in conjunction with other methods to confirm diagnosis of a brain condition such as epilepsy - wouldn’t it be obvious if the readings bore no relation to the patient’s condition?
My scant understanding of this study is that the readings obtained were similar to those of a “normal” human brain. I believe that this was mainly to illustrate the bane of the issue of “artifact” in EEG readings. This is extraneous (or ambient) electrical activity that interferes with accurate reading of actual electrical activity in the brain. In other words, EEG readings consist predominantly of artifact, and this contaminates any valid clinical information that might be obtained.
Of course, EEG readings have been used successfully (and validly) to determine the existence of a seizure disorder, as well as schizophrenia, among other psychological disorders. We use the EEG still more subtly, to determine the causes of attentional problems, depression, anxiety, and the results of brain injury.
I just want to get a reference to this study so I can analyze it for myself. If it produces useful information about artifact, great. If it’s BS, then also great, as far as I’m concerned.