What is the primary use of EEG in clinical settings?

The primary use of an electroencephalogram (EEG) in clinical settings is to assess brain electrical activity. EEG measures the electrical impulses produced by neurons in the brain, providing valuable insights into brain function. Clinicians use this tool primarily for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, seizures, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions.

By capturing the electrical activity in real-time, EEG can help identify abnormalities in brain activity, which is crucial for understanding a patient's neurological status and guiding treatment options. Unlike other imaging techniques that focus on structural aspects of the brain, EEG specifically targets the function of the brain's electrical systems, making it a unique and essential tool in both clinical evaluations and research.