Application Recording Concepts

American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists, Inc

Oral and Practical Examination for EEG Registration

APPLICATION OF RECORDING CONCEPTS

Updated: January 2010

The expectations for safe and effective performance of this task are outlined in the EEG Practice Analysis, Domain I, T-1 and Domain II, T-5, T-6.

The Application of Recording Concepts Section evaluates the candidate’s ability to 1) recognize and describe normal, abnormal, and artifactual EEG patterns; 2) correlate clinical history and EEG findings; 3) select montages and monitoring electrodes; 4) explain the significance and use of activating procedures, montages, monitoring electrodes, and instrument controls; 5) explain troubleshooting techniques; 6) explain polarity and localization methods; and 7) calculate voltage, duration, frequency, and filter effects. Candidates are given up to 1 hour in this section. During this time, the candidate is expected to respond to questions by applying his or her basic knowledge to the situation presented.

The examination begins as soon as the candidate enters the examination room.  The examiners show the candidate a series of EEG patterns and associated histories.  The examiners ask a variety of questions relating to the pattern.  Questions may include the following topics:  waveform description, clinical history, artifacts, monitoring methods, polarity, filters, montages, troubleshooting, clinical correlations, and measurement calculations. Rulers and calculators will be provided.  The candidate is expected to use appropriate terminology when responding to the questions, and must provide correct responses to the questions in order to pass the exam. Two examiners are in the room with the candidate through most of the examination, while the Section Director enters the room at random intervals to monitor exam progress.

The patterns presented to the candidate demonstrate normal, abnormal, normal variant, or artifact patterns, or a combination of patterns.  The samples are single page full size and good reproductions of actual EEG waveforms.  Because the examiner’s questions vary depending on the patterns and histories presented, the following sample questions are provided to give candidates an idea of what to expect during the 1 hour session.

• Based on the clinical history, what would you expect to see on the EEG?
• Based on the clinical history, how would you classify the seizure?
• Do the EEG findings correlate with the symptoms?
• How would you describe the abnormal features of this EEG?
• What monitoring electrodes would be helpful?
• Where would you place the monitoring electrodes?
• How do you localize the abnormal activity in this sample?
• What activation procedures would be useful?
• What artifacts should you be concerned with?
• How could you correct the recording problem?
• What is the duration of the sharp and slow wave complex?
• What is the frequency of the fast activity?
• How could you enhance this focal slow?
• How would changing the filter affect this activity or frequency?
• What would you expect to see clinically if the patient was having a focal seizure?
• What montage would you select next?
• Do you think this pattern is real or artifactual?
• How did you determine the polarity of the discharge?
• Is this finding considered normal or abnormal?
• Without using a ruler, estimate the duration of the identified wave.