An analysis of spontaneous human cortical EEG activity to odours

Using single trial presentation of odours, mapping of spontaneous EEG was made in naive subjects. Systematic increases in EEG amplitudes for alpha (8–13 Hz) frequency were shown for the odours used and discrimination of odours was shown by specific electrodes. These were mainly in the area bounded by International 10/20 scalp locations CP1, PZ, CP2, TCP2 and C4. It was also shown that EEG recordings from more anterior electrodes could be related to psychometric responses. The findings showed that statistically reliable electrical amplitudes to odour presentations were discernible in the noisy EEG environment on the surface of the brain.