Neurological Head Simulator for In-the-Field EEG Recordings

Neuroscience is rapidly expanding beyond its traditional role in the clinic to a practical method of evaluating cognitive performance in the field. The transition of clinical neuroscience tools into operational environments is of particular interest to the military due to the need for soldiers to perform increasingly complex tasks under extremely difficult conditions. Successful transition into operational environments hinges on the ability to obtain high quality electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in the presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and other physiologic artifacts in a manner that is comfortable and compatible with personal protective equipment. Quantitative analysis of EEG can be used to determine concentration, fatigue, and excessive workload provided that high quality, artifact-free signals can be recorded. The adverse nature of the environment, combined with the relatively low amplitude of EEG signals, necessitates the use of head simulators to evaluate different recording systems, signal processing methodologies, and the impact of environmental conditions before collection of operational recordings from soldiers. This project aims to develop a head simulator capable of providing realistic EEG recordings in a wide variety of operational conditions.