Preparing for EEG Examination MCQs
For comprehensive preparation for EEG examination multiple choice questions, focus on mastering the standardized recording techniques, normal and abnormal EEG patterns, and clinical applications as recommended by major neurological societies.
Key EEG Technical Knowledge to Master
Recording Techniques and Setup
- Study the standardized 10-20 International System electrode placement with 19 electrodes for diagnostic purposes 1
- Understand both recommended EEG montages:
- Know advantages and disadvantages of different EOG montages:
- Recommended EOG (E1-M2, E2-M2): Better for distinguishing artifacts from EEG
- Alternative EOG (E1-FPz, E2-FPz): Better for detecting all eye movements 2
Normal EEG Patterns
- Master identification of normal rhythms:
- Alpha (8-13 Hz): Posterior dominant rhythm, maximal over occipital regions
- Beta (>13 Hz): Faster activity, often frontal predominance
- Theta (4-7 Hz): Normal in drowsiness and children
- Delta (<4 Hz): Normal in deep sleep 1
- Learn sleep architecture and patterns:
- NREM stages and their EEG characteristics
- REM sleep patterns including sawtooth waves 2
Abnormal EEG Patterns
- Study epileptiform patterns:
- Spikes, sharp waves, spike-and-wave complexes
- Seizure patterns (focal vs. generalized)
- Status epilepticus patterns (convulsive and non-convulsive) 2
- Know encephalopathic patterns:
- Generalized slowing
- Triphasic waves
- Burst suppression 1
Clinical Applications of EEG
Seizure Disorders
- Focus on EEG's role in epilepsy diagnosis and classification 3
- Understand interictal epileptiform discharges and their significance 4
- Know indications for emergent EEG in status epilepticus:
- Nonconvulsive status epilepticus
- Subtle convulsive status epilepticus
- Patients who have received long-acting paralytics
- Patients in drug-induced coma 2
Altered Consciousness
- Study EEG patterns in:
- Coma and brain death assessment
- Post-cardiac arrest prognostication
- Disorders of consciousness (vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) 2
- Know that EEG is recommended for all patients with acute brain injury and unexplained altered consciousness 2
Special Applications
- Understand continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring indications and interpretation 2
- Know quantitative EEG (qEEG) applications and limitations 5
- Study functional neuroimaging applications with EEG 2
Common Pitfalls in EEG Interpretation
- Learn to distinguish normal variants from pathological patterns 4
- Recognize common artifacts:
- Muscle artifact
- Eye movement artifact
- Electrode pop
- ECG artifact 1
- Understand that misinterpretation of EEG can lead to misdiagnosis with serious consequences 3
Practice Strategies for MCQs
- Focus on pattern recognition: Practice identifying EEG patterns from images displayed in different montages 6
- Master terminology: Learn the standardized terminology for EEG description
- Understand clinical correlations: Know how specific EEG findings relate to clinical conditions
- Practice with timed tests: Research shows that accuracy improves with training - aim for >8 weeks of EEG training to reach expert-level accuracy 6
- Review sample questions: Focus on the four domains commonly tested: normal patterns, abnormal patterns, normal variants, and artifacts 6
Educational Resources
- Use online EEG databases with annotated examples
- Study competency-based EEG education materials that align with expert consensus-based curricular objectives 6
- Review guidelines from major neurological societies (American Academy of Neurology, International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society) 1
Remember that EEG interpretation requires both technical knowledge and pattern recognition skills that improve with practice. Focus on understanding the underlying neurophysiology rather than just memorizing patterns.