What is the primary purpose of electroencephalography (EEG)?

The primary purpose of electroencephalography (EEG) is to measure the electrical activity of the brain. EEG is a non-invasive technique that records the electrical impulses generated by neuronal activity. This method utilizes electrodes placed on the scalp to detect the brain's electrical signals, which can show abnormalities in brain function.

EEG is commonly used in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and encephalopathies. It provides valuable information about brain wave patterns, helping healthcare professionals understand various neurological conditions and how they may be impacting the brain's function. Thus, measuring the brain's electrical activity is central to EEG's role in both clinical and research settings.

The other options—visualizing soft tissue, assessing blood flow, or conducting psychological evaluations—are not the main functionalities of EEG, highlighting the clarity of its primary purpose in the context of neurodiagnostic procedures.