Which of the following is a common artifact seen in EEG recordings?

Muscle artifact is recognized as a common artifact in EEG recordings. It occurs when electrical activity from muscles, such as those in the face or neck, interferes with the brainwave signals being measured. This type of noise can obscure or distort the actual EEG data, making it challenging for clinicians to assess the brain's activity accurately.

In contrast, spike and wave patterns are indicative of specific neurological conditions, particularly in epilepsy, rather than artifacts. Background rhythms refer to the ongoing electrical activity of the brain that is essential for interpreting normal brain function, while slow waves are a type of brainwave pattern associated with specific states of consciousness, mainly during sleep.

Understanding that muscle artifact is an external signal that disrupts the clarity of EEG readings is crucial for interpreting EEG results correctly and distinguishes it as a prevalent issue in neurological studies.