What type of artifact are High-Frequency Filters (HFF) primarily used to attenuate in EEG channels?

High-Frequency Filters (HFF) are specifically designed to attenuate higher frequency signals within EEG channels, which are commonly produced by muscle activity. Muscle artifacts typically arise from contractions and movements in the muscles of the face, neck, and scalp, creating electrical noise that can interfere with the clarity and interpretation of the EEG readings. By utilizing HFF, the higher frequency components generated by these muscle activities are reduced, allowing for a more accurate representation of brain activity and enhancing the diagnostic value of the EEG.

In contrast, electrical artifacts generally stem from interference from electrical devices, cardiac artifacts are tied to the heart's electrical signals, and eye movement artifacts are associated with movements of the eyes. While these other types of artifacts can also affect EEG readings, high-frequency filters specifically target the muscle artifacts that are prevalent in the high frequency range, making them an essential tool for improving the quality of the EEG signals measured.