Just about every textbook or atlas I’ve consulted (with a couple exceptions) and everyone who has ever taught me how to read an EEG, explains that the pattern seen on the EEG is due to “Bell’s Phenomenon“, which describes how our eyes move when our eyes are closed under certain circumstances. However, Bell’s phenomenon does NOT occur during eyeblinks.

Here is a short video which shows what eyeblinks and some eye movements look like on EEG, explains Bell’s phenomenon, and explains why Bell’s phenomenon is not responsible for eyeblinks on EEG.

I’d very much appreciate it if anyone can help me find a single reference which shows otherwise. 🙂

The post Mythology in Medicine — The Bell’s Phenomenon / Eyeblink Myth appeared first on Sotirios Keros, MD PhD EA.