Which type of EEG artifact is caused by muscle activity?

The type of EEG artifact caused by muscle activity is known as an electromyographic (EMG) artifact. EMG artifacts occur when electrical signals generated by muscle contractions interfere with the brain's electrical signals that the EEG is designed to measure. This can happen due to patient movements such as jaw clenching, facial expressions, or any other muscle activity, leading to sharp, high-frequency spikes in the EEG tracing that don't represent brain activity. Recognizing EMG artifacts is essential for accurate interpretation of EEG data, as they can be mistaken for actual brain activity if not identified correctly.

In contrast, other artifacts listed are linked to different physiological sources or environmental noise. Electrocardiographic (ECG) artifacts come from the heart's electrical activity, whereas electrooculographic (EOG) artifacts arise from eye movements. Electrical interference artifacts are due to external electrical sources, such as fluorescent lights or devices, rather than muscle activity. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for properly managing and interpreting EEG recordings.