What does an electroencephalogram (EEG) assess in individuals?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) primarily assesses the electrical activity in the brain. This diagnostic tool records brain wave patterns by placing electrodes on the scalp, allowing clinicians to analyze the brain's electrical signals in real-time. The information obtained from an EEG is crucial for diagnosing various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other disturbances in brain function.

In the context of sleep, EEG is used to identify different sleep stages and monitor sleep architecture, providing insights into conditions like sleep apnea or narcolepsy. The ability of an EEG to capture the subtle changes in brain wave activity during sleep makes it a valuable tool in sleep studies and research.