What is EEG and NIRS?
EEG
Electroencephalography is a non-invasive diagnostic method used in the examination of bioelectrical activity of the brain. In the process of examination, electrodes are placed on the surface of the head which measures electrical fluctuations generated by the neurons of the brain cortex. The registered signal is then amplified which gives a detailed record of activity in the given brain areas. The final record is called an electroencephalogram.
NIRS
Near-infrared spectroscopy is a method used to visualize the blood flow in the brain which provides information about the brain activity. The method is based on letting a near-infrared light beam through the skull. The reflection of the light depends on the oxygenation of the blood. The oxygenated blood absorbs different light wave frequencies than deoxygenated blood. The analysis of intensity and distribution of the reflected light provides the examiner with information about the active areas of the brain. The activity is the result of an increased demand for oxygenated blood in the areas of increased neural activity.
Areas of application
Neuromarketing:
- Observation of the brain activity in response to a product, advertisement spot, social campaign
- Studies on the emotional response to advertisements
Pharmacology:
- The assessment of the effects of pharmacotherapy, training, treatment plans (e.g. in depression treatment)
Psychology, cognitive science, sociology:
- Research and development of brain-computer interfaces (BCI)
- Investigation of behaviours of the examinees and their use of brain-computer interfaces (BCI)
- Observation of brain activation resulting from behaviour or (development of) skills of the person examined
- Studying the reactions and active areas responding to sensory stimulation and cognitive exercise
Medicine and rehabilitation:
- Examination of patients suffering from epilepsy
- Development of brain-computer interfaces supporting rehabilitation
- Monitoring patients with sleep disorders
- Assessment of the state of consciousness (e.g. coma patients)
- Observation of cortical activity in organic brain diseases
- Observation of cortical activity in case of potential poisoning neurotoxin poisoning
Articles
- Trends in BCI Research I: Brain-Computer Interfaces for Assessment of Patients with Locked-in Syndrome or Disorders of Consciousness
- EEG-based brain-computer interface using subject-specific spatial filters
- Non-invasive brain signal interface for a wheelchair navigation
- A hybrid NIRS-EEG system for self-paced brain computer interface with online motor imagery
- Time domain functional NIRS imaging for human brain mapping
Producers and products
g.tec
Austrian company, which developed in 1999 first commercially available BCI system, now sold to over 60 countries worldwide. Its products work with all major BCI approaches (motor imagery, P300, SSVEP and slow cortical potentials), allowing to start BCI research within a few hours.
g.Nautilus - wireless EEG system with active electrodes
g.Nautilus is g.tec’s new wireless biosignal acquisition system.
Read moreg.HIamp - biosignal amplifier for brain functions measurements
g.HIamp by g.tech is a groundbreaking technology for brain mapping.
Read moreg.USBamp - highest accuracy EEG amplifier
g.USBamp is a high-performance and high-accuracy biosignal amplifier and acquisition/processing system.
Read moreg.GAMMAcap - EEG caps
The g.GAMMAcap – EEG cap system with 74 position, available also in sizes for children.
Read moreBIOPAC
BIOPAC Systems, Inc. Is an American company specialized in physiology measurement and interpretation. It was founded in 1985 and is recognized around the world for its biological signals measurement hardware and software.
BIOPAC Sensors and Amplifiers
BIOPAC® offers a series of amplifiers, electrodes, electrode leads, transducers, and stimulus options for safe data acquisition of physiological signals in the MRI environment.
Read moreBioNomadix
The BioNomadix system is a wireless, multi-channel physiological recording platform.
Read moreRogue Resolutions
British company maintains strong links between science and medicine, remaining on the cutting edge of new technologies and withn the field of brain research. Offers best-in-class devices for neuronavigation, neuromodulation and neuroimaging, such as one of the world’s most sophisticated NIRS systems.
Brainsight NIRS
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a spectroscopic method that uses the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (from about 800 nm to 2500 nm).
Read moreWearable Sensing
Wearable Sensing was founded in March 2013 in California. The company, which is still growing, is focusing on the development of sensory mobile technologies and their potential applications.
