The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting artifacts in
a bioelectric signal, especially in a frontal EEG signal. In order to
accomplish an uncomplicated mechanism for detecting artifacts in clinical
applications, an impedance signal is measured through a first electrode
set attached to the skin surface in a measurement area of a patient's
body, the impedance signal being indicative of the impedance of the
signal path formed between individual electrodes of the set.
Simultaneously with the impedance measurement, a bioelectric signal is
acquired through a second electrode set also attached to the skin surface
of the measurement area, and the time periods are determined during which
the impedance signal fulfills at least one predetermined criterion
indicative of the presence of artifact in the bioelectric signal. In one
embodiment, the first and second electrode sets are formed by a common
set of two electrodes.