arousal response
EEG changes occurring with transitions from sleep to wakefulness, important for assessing neurological function.
Full Definition
Arousal response refers to the characteristic EEG changes that occur during transitions from sleep states to wakefulness or lighter sleep stages. These responses include desynchronization of background rhythms, appearance of faster frequencies, muscle artifact from movement, and sometimes brief bursts of rhythmic activity. In polysomnography, arousal responses are scored according to standardized criteria and are important for assessing sleep fragmentation and respiratory events. Abnormal arousal responses may indicate neurological dysfunction, while absent responses can suggest severe brain injury or deep coma states.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from artifacts by characteristic pattern and clinical context.
In Context
- "Normal arousal responses were noted throughout the sleep recording." — Polysomnography report
- "The arousal response showed appropriate EEG desynchronization and muscle activation." — Sleep study interpretation