The Next Paradigm Change in EEG Recording: What Will it Mean for EEG Technologists?

ABSTRACT

Several companies are developing an EEG recording system that uses dry, wireless electrodes, and one has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. Today, the quality of EEG signals recorded by these dry systems may not always match those of conventionally applied electrodes, but the gap is closing fast. As dry, wireless EEG systems find their way into hospitals and clinics over the next few years, the job of the EEG technologist will change. Dry systems can be placed on like a cap and, after a few minutes of adjustment, begin broadcasting EEG. No longer will it be as necessary to spend time meticulously measuring, cleaning, affixing, and adjusting electrodes on the scalp. This upcoming time of rapid change can be an opportunity to redefine the role of the EEG technologist.

KEY WORDS:

• EEG pattern recognition
• EEG technologist
• electroencephalography (EEG)
• neurodiagnostic technology
• wireless electrodes