Abstract Details

Title The Pioneering Women of EEG

Topic History of Neurology

Presentation(s) S10 - History of Neurology (11:39 AM-11:51 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 003

Background

The initial years of EEG research saw landmark contributions by various scientists credited with establishing the field, including W. Grey Walter, Hallowell Davis, and Alexander Forbes. However, it was not only on their account that the field moved forward; women also played a vital role.

Objective

To feature the women who played a significant role in the development of EEG as a clinical tool.

Design/Methods We identified pioneer female researchers through articles on history of EEG. The details on their life and contributions were abstracted from historical archives and online resources.

Results Four pioneering women, Erna L. Gibbs, Pauline A. Davis, Ellen Grass, and Mary A.B Brazier were identified. Only 1 article dedicated to the work of Ellen Grass was found. No articles specifically discussing contributions of Erna L. Gibbs, Mary A.B Brazier, or Pauline A. Davis were retrieved. Erna Gibbs and Pauline A. Davis were part of the team that first recorded the characteristic 3 Hz spike-and-wave activity of absence epilepsy. Erna Gibbs authored the first EEG manual comprising traces of over 10,000 recordings. She was involved in the research on localization of seizure foci using EEG for epilepsy surgery. Pauline A. Davis first reported evoked response potentials using auditory stimuli. Mary A.B Brazier pioneered the application of computational analysis to EEG recordings through correlation and auto-correlation analysis of EEG signals. She played central role in the establishment of International Brain Research Organization, and was the president of International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Ellen Grass helped establish “The Grass Instruments Company”, which played a vital role in the technological development of EEG.

Conclusions All four women played a pivotal role in advancing the research on EEG. We underscore the mismatch between the magnitude of the legacy left by women and the recognition of their contributions in the field of neurophysiology.

Authors/Disclosures
Bakhtawar Ahmad, MBBS PRESENTER	Dr. Ahmad has nothing to disclose.
Daniela Pomar Forero (University of Florida)	Ms. Pomar Forero has nothing to disclose.
Katharina M. Busl, MD, MS, FAAN (University of Florida)	Dr. Busl has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Rissman Law. Dr. Busl has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Society of Critical Care Medicine. The institution of Dr. Busl has received research support from University of Florida Self Insurance Program. The institution of Dr. Busl has received research support from National Institutes of Health. Dr. Busl has a non-compensated relationship as a Board Member with Art in Medicine that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Busl has a non-compensated relationship as a Associate Editor with Critical Care Explorations that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Busl has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial Board Member with Neurocritical Care that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
Carolina B. Maciel, MD, MSCR, FAAN	Dr. Maciel has received research support from American Heart Association. Dr. Maciel has received research support from National Institute of Health.

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