Electroencephalography is a process by which medical professionals can measure and record brain activity. If your doctor prescribes an "EEG," that's a test using electroencephalography.
Electroencephalography is commonly referred to as "brain imaging." Sensors are placed on a person's scalp. These "electrodes" detect tiny electrical signals that occur when the brain's cells communicate with each other. The signals are displayed on a computer screen as patterns of wavy lines, which doctors can analyze to help detect and monitor neurological conditions such as epilepsy. Encephalography can also be used to diagnose sleep disorders, detect brain tumors or brain damage, and monitor the brain activity of comatose patients.