Breach Rhythm

Posted on
May 19, 2023
Let's learn all the facts about a brain pattern called

Breach Rhythm

!
Go BackJump To Question

The skull acts as a high-frequency and high voltage filter. A breach rhythm results from a skull defect, indicative of a bone abnormality, not an EEG abnormality. The lack of bone allows more fast activity and sharper or spiky-appearing cortical activity to be recorded. The skull defect may be due to a brain surgery or a previous skull trauma. 

Breach rhythm is typically focal, asymmetrical, high-voltage activity in the beta frequency range. It often has arch-like waveforms, sometimes having spiky morphology. It can manifest as an irregular rhythm sometimes associated with sharp activity. Breach rhythm is most prominent when recorded over central and temporal regions. Breach rhythm can be identified easily when it occurs in serial trains.

Question:
A breach rhythm often resembles which normal variant because of its similar frequency and morphology?
A
Small Sharp Spikes
B
Mu Rhythm
C
Lambda
D
BECTS
E
Correct Answer: 
B

The breach rhythm often has a mu-like pattern, with frequencies of 6-11 Hz and intermixed faster components with sharp negative phases. Just as with the normal mu rhythm, if more central it may be inhibited by contralateral movement; if temporal it is not. 

Want to learn more about Mu Rhythm, refer back to our Fun Fact Friday from 4/7/2023. 

Go Back To All EEG Fun Facts