Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
slowing of background activity in brain
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury

slowing of background activity in brain

by ozzy007, Nov 03, 2006 12:00AM
i recentley had a eeg and was told ther was a significont slowing of the background activity. what does this mean?

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Nov 13, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.    

   EEG or electroencephalogram (also called the "brain wave test"), is measuring electrical activity arising from the neurons in your brain.  The normal activity that occurs in the neurons is called the background activity.  We choose a specific way to measure background by counting the number of Hertz that occur in the posterior dominant alpha rhythm (coming from the back of the brain).  Normal range for an adult is 8-13 hertz.  When people are sick, febrile, tired (sleep deprived), had a recent seizure, intoxicated, etc. their brains do not function as well.  This dysfunction in brain activity can be picked up on EEG as slowing of the background activty.  This is only a statement of overall dysfunction with many different causes and is not specific for any particular one.  

I hope this has been helpful.
Member Comments (2)

by ozzy007, Nov 04, 2006 12:00AM
its me again wanted to add im 35 yrs old and have also had many oter symptoms numbness in arms blurred vision ,legs giving way ,memory loss,pains in joints. had mri came back ok. but am concerned as friend has ms, and my symptoms are more or less the same as his...... i also have crohns diagnosed 1998 i am so worried as no app 4 3 months unless i go to the emergencey room pls help thanx
Continue discussion
Expert Activity
National Spinal Health Day
Oct 08 by Adam R. Tanase, D.C.
PAD Awareness Month
Oct 05 by Lee Kirksey, MD
When You Need to Know If You're Pre...
Sep 11 by Elaine Brown, MD