What causes sampling skew in early digital EEG instruments?

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Sampling skew in early digital EEG instruments primarily arises from the inability to simultaneously sample multiple channels of EEG data. These early devices were often limited in their technological capabilities, leading to the scenario where each channel could not be digitized at the same time. Instead, the channels were sampled sequentially. This sequential sampling creates delays between the data collected from different channels, which can result in discrepancies referred to as sampling skew.

When multiple electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brain activity, the timing of the signals captured becomes critical. If one channel is sampled later than another, the EEG waveforms may appear distorted in relation to one another, leading to an incorrect representation of the brain’s electrical activity. This is particularly problematic in clinical settings where precise timing of brain signals is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting EEG recordings accurately, as analyzing skewed data can lead to misinterpretations of patient conditions during monitoring or diagnosis.

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