What typically signifies abnormal brain activity on an EEG?

Abnormal brain activity on an EEG is often indicated by intermittent spikes or patterns. These spikes are brief bursts of electrical activity that deviate from the normal brain wave patterns typically observed in healthy individuals. They may suggest various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, where such spikes can reflect underlying seizure activity.

In contrast, regular rhythmic patterns, consistent wave shapes, and stable wave frequencies generally indicate normal brain functioning. Regular rhythms, like alpha or beta waves, are associated with relaxed or alert states, and consistent shapes are characteristic of healthy brain activity. Therefore, the presence of intermittent spikes or patterns is a key indicator that further investigation is warranted to assess potential abnormalities in brain function.