Question

Which wave can help point out the place of a brain tumor?

(a) Alpha waves

(b) Beta waves

(c) Delta waves

(d) Gamma waves

This question was addressed to me in an online interview.

This intriguing question comes from Electroencephalography in chapter Diagnostic Investigation in Neurology and Cardiology of Clinical Science

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) Delta waves

To explain I would say: Delta waves have a frequency of less than 4 Hz. When a person is at rest, they will normally give alpha waves whose lowest range is 8 Hz. Thus, if there is a tumor formation, we can assume that a tumour is blocking the signal and so the electrode at the specific region reads a delta wave instead of an alpha wave when even though the other parts of the brain is giving an alpha wave.