Event-related EEG/MEG synchronization and desynchronization: basic principles

Clin Neurophysiol. 1999 Nov;110(11):1842-57. doi: 10.1016/s1388-2457(99)00141-8.

Abstract

An internally or externally paced event results not only in the generation of an event-related potential (ERP) but also in a change in the ongoing EEG/MEG in form of an event-related desynchronization (ERD) or event-related synchronization (ERS). The ERP on the one side and the ERD/ERS on the other side are different responses of neuronal structures in the brain. While the former is phase-locked, the latter is not phase-locked to the event. The most important difference between both phenomena is that the ERD/ERS is highly frequency band-specific, whereby either the same or different locations on the scalp can display ERD and ERS simultaneously. Quantification of ERD/ERS in time and space is demonstrated on data from a number of movement experiments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cortical Synchronization*
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetoencephalography*
  • Memory / physiology
  • Movement / physiology