Topographic Brain Mapping of EEG in Neuropsychopharmacology--Part I. Methodological Aspects

Topographic brain mapping of the electroencephalogram (EEG) is a promising new method in neuropsychiatry and neuropsychopharmacology. Rapid advances in computer technology allow on-line analysis by means of micro-computers. This paper describes an acquisition and signal analysis system for studying neurophysiological and neuropsychopharmacological aspects of human brain function. It consists of a server micro-computer functioning as an acquisition unit which is connected to a workstation micro-computer for statistical analysis and subsequent documentation of data on a printer and color plotter. According to the recommendations for standardization of data acquisition and signal analysis in pharmaco-electroencephalography, the paper mediates detailed information concerning recording and analysis equipment with special emphasis on the treatment of artifacts. Since up to now there is no normative consensus on the choice of reference conventions and interpolation algorithms, the system is designed for high flexibility to enable empirical comparisons between different methods.