How can brain waves be detected?

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the correct method for detecting brain waves because it specifically measures the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. These electrodes capture the electrical impulses generated by neuron activity, translating them into waveforms that represent different states of brain function. EEG is widely used in both clinical and research settings for its ability to provide real-time information on brain activity, making it invaluable for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders, as well as for studying cognitive processes.

In contrast, functional MRI (fMRI) primarily detects changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels in the brain, reflecting neural activity indirectly rather than capturing the electrical impulses directly, so it does not measure brain waves. A PET scan, while useful for visualizing metabolic processes, operates similarly by showing areas of brain activity based on glucose metabolism rather than capturing direct electrical signals. X-ray imaging, on the other hand, is designed for viewing structural details of dense tissues, such as bones, and is not suitable for measuring brain activity.