What technique is used to increase the sensitivity of EEG in detecting rare events?

Extended EEG monitoring is employed to enhance the sensitivity of EEG recordings when it comes to detecting rare events, such as seizures or other abnormal brain activity. This technique typically involves prolonged recording periods, which can range from hours to days. By extending the duration of monitoring, the likelihood of capturing intermittent or rare electrical activities increases significantly, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of brain function over time.

In clinical settings, shorter monitoring periods, such as those used in standard or routine clinical EEGs, may not capture these rare events as efficiently. Additionally, routine clinical EEGs are typically performed for brief assessments and may miss infrequent manifestations of neurological conditions. Intermittent EEG monitoring does not provide continuous data and is thus less effective for capturing sporadic events. Therefore, the extended approach is particularly valuable in identifying and diagnosing conditions characterized by infrequent but critical brain activity changes.