Methods

The brain is made up of a vast array of neural networks that can be measured with electroencephalography (EEG).  From resting-state activity, to the detection of emotional processing and cognitive function, EEG literally provides a window into the brain. The Brain Hygiene Lab uses a high-density EEG system designed and manufactured by Electrical Geodesic, Inc.

An active brain communicates with the body via the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic system manages voluntary muscle movement, while the autonomic system regulates internal organs during stress. It comprises the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, and heart-rate variability measurement indicates their influence on the heart.

Surveys and questionnaires collect qualitative information that provides a detailed summary of your experiences. Researchers use these surveys to get to know you, to interpret your EEG and HRV data, and to develop a comprehensive, personalized Behavioral Health Report.

Brain cells require oxygen and fuel for metabolism, which is supplied by the blood. Near-infrared light passing through the scalp can measure oxygenation levels in the blood and its return to the scalp, offering spatially precise metrics for assessing brain activity and function.

The eyes are the window to the mind. In many circumstances, we utilize our vision to focus our attention on an object; therefore, we can learn a lot about what people attend to by tracking their eyes. The Brain Hygiene Lab is equipped with a Tobii Pro Spectrum 150 Eye-tracking system, with Tobii Pro Lab software and Eprime integration.

Our lab is also equipped with a Physio 16 Package from EGI that integrates with our high-density EEG system from EGI. With this system we can seamlessly collect respiration, ECG, Sp02 and other types of peripheral psychophysiological data.