Excerpt from EEG Atlas: Normal Awake EEG Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: alpha rhythm, mu rhythm, beta activity, electroencephalography Please click here to view the full topic text: EEG Atlas: Normal Awake EEG This article describes the most common features of the normal awake EEG. The images at the end of the article show representative examples of the features discussed here. The alpha rhythm is the most prominent feature of the normal mature EEG. It typically is identified first during the review. Beta activity refers to a frequency band rather than a distinct (specific) rhythm such as alpha or mu. Beta activity is commonly present in the EEG of healthy people. However, it is often difficult to see because of its low amplitude. Gastaut initially described the mu rhythm in 1952. This morphologically distinct activity is observed in approximately 17-19% of young adults. Patient Education For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Procedures Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Electroencephalography (EEG). Please click here to view the full topic text: EEG Atlas: Normal Awake EEG

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