Which of these is the best sensitivity setting for an EEG channel?

In the context of EEG (electroencephalography), the sensitivity setting refers to how much a voltage change (in microvolts) causes a corresponding change in the display height (in millimeters or centimeters) on the EEG tracing. A lower sensitivity setting allows for finer detail to be observed, as smaller voltage changes will create more pronounced deflections on the tracing.

A sensitivity of 7 μV/mm is generally considered optimal for standard adult EEG recordings. This setting is sensitive enough to capture the typical voltage ranges produced by brain activity, allowing for the identification of both normal waveforms and potential abnormalities. This level of sensitivity strikes a balance between being able to see smaller deflections associated with subtle brain activity while also avoiding excessive noise or artifacts that could obscure the important signals.

In contrast, 10 μV/mm would produce a less sensitive output where smaller voltage changes may not be adequately represented, potentially leading to missed information that is crucial for interpretation. The sensitivity measures expressed in terms of centimeters rather than millimeters would result in an even larger scaling factor, further diminishing the detail in EEG readings. Therefore, the choice of 7 μV/mm provides the best combination of detail and clarity for interpreting EEG data accurately.