Which artifact is often identified in an EEG recording due to patient movement?

Muscle artifacts are frequently observed in EEG recordings as a result of patient movement. When a patient moves, such as shifting in their seat, clenching their jaw, or making any voluntary muscular movements, it can generate electrical signals that are picked up by the EEG electrodes. These muscle-generated signals typically appear as sharp, irregular waveforms on the EEG, which can obscure or mimic brain activity and potentially complicate the interpretation of the recording.

Understanding the nature of muscle artifacts is crucial in EEG analysis because it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a quiet and still environment for the patient during a recording. The presence of muscle artifacts can lead to misleading conclusions if not properly identified and accounted for during analysis. By distinguishing between true brain activity and artifacts stemming from patient movement, clinicians can provide more accurate diagnoses and interpretations of the EEG data.