Fractal Analysis of Electroencephalographic Time Series (EEG Signals)

Abstract

Nonlinear methods are better suited for analysis of EEG signals than so-called linear methods like fast Fourier transform (FFT). In this chapter, we illustrate the use of the Higuchi’s fractal dimension method. We present several examples of the usefulness of this method in application to sleep-EEG analysis, revealing influence of electromagnetic fields, monitoring anesthesia, and assessing bright light therapy (BLT) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We conclude that Higuchi’s fractal dimension method is very useful in the analysis of EEG signals.