Patent ID: 7574254
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of determining whether a test subject is sufficiently alert to perform a predefined task comprising: a) recording an electroencephalograph (EEG) over a period of time from the test subject using an EEG recording apparatus; b) analyzing the frequency distribution of the wavebands recorded in the EEG; and c) quantitating any ERN waveform in the EEG, wherein presence in the EEG of both (1) (a) an alpha waveband power component ratio of 0.5-1.0 and a theta waveband power component ratio of less than 0.5 or (b) a theta waveband power ratio of 0.5-1.0 and an alpha waveband power component ratio of less than 0.5; and (2) one or more ERN waveforms recorded during the period of time indicates that the test subject is not sufficiently alert to perform the predefined task, and wherein the presence of (1) but not (2), or (2) but not (1), indicates that the test subject is sufficiently alert to perform a predefined task.