Patterns of the Total Electrical Activity of the Brain - Research Paper Example

Biopac Laboratory V4.0 Lessons 3&4: EEG I & 2 PSY ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY EEG I and EEG II number: ______________________________________ File name used: ______________________________________ Date/time of lab class: __________________________________ I. Data and Calculations Participant’s details: Age: 20Weight: 76 Height: 181 Sex: Male Lesson 03 Data Report: EEG I A.  EEG Amplitude Measurements Table 3.2 Standard Deviation [Stddev] Rhythm Channel Eyes closed Eyes open Eyes Re-closed Alpha 1.06 0.82 0.87 Beta 1.18 1.10 1.12 Delta 1.09 0.76 0.73 Theta 1.19 0.73 0.80 B.  EEG Frequency Measurements from first Eyes closed data. Complete Table 3.3 with the frequencies for each rhythm and calculate the mean frequency. Freq measurement applies to all channels since it is calculated from the horizontal time scale, but you must select the correct area in each band. Table 3.3Frequency (Hz) Rhythm Channel Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Mean Alpha 11.11 9.52 8.33 9.65 Beta 14.28 22.22 18.18 18.22 Delta 4.87 4.65 5.00 4.84 Theta 8.00 7.69 7.40 7.69 II.  Questions 1.  Define what is meant by: 1. Frequency It refers to the number of rhythms or cycles in a given period of time. The unit of measurement for frequency is Hertz (Hz or cycles/second). 2. Amplitude It pertains to the height of the wave or electrical activity generated by the cerebral cortex. The unit of measurement is microvolt (µV or 1/1,000, 000 of a volt). 2. Examine the alpha and beta waveforms for change between the “eyes closed” state and the “eyes open” state. Explain both your answers. a. Does desynchronization of the alpha rhythm occur when the eyes are open? Yes, desynchronization of the alpha rhythm occurs when the eyes are open. The data recorded reveal a decrease of alpha rhythm from 1.06 when the eyes are closed to 0.82 when the eyes are open. Moreover, the beta rhythm becomes prominent among the other three rhythms during the “eyes open” state with amplitude of 1.10. The alpha rhythm has been scientifically established to be prominent during awake yet quiet or idle state with eyes closed, and becomes less pronounced when the eyes are open. This is due to the increasing awareness and alertness of the subject. b. Does the beta rhythm become more pronounced in the “eyes open” state? Yes, the beta rhythm becomes more pronounced in the “eyes open” state. The result reveals the following data: Alpha – 0.82; Beta – 1.10; Delta – 0.76; Theta – 0.73. Beta rhythm has been established to be prominent when the subject is awake and alert. 3.  The amplitude measurements (Stddev) are indicative of how much alpha activity is occurring in the participant. But the amplitude values for beta do not truly reflect the amount of mental activity occurring with the eyes open. Explain. The amplitude for beta waves do not truly reflect the amount of mental activity occurring in the “eyes open” state for the reason that significant interpretation of beta waves can be done only when elicited during sleep. In fact, any movement, even blinking, can influence the recording of the four rhythms; thus, the need for the participant to stay still during EEG. 4.  Examine the delta and theta rhythm. Is there an increase in delta and theta activity when the eyes are open? Explain your observation. There are no increases in the delta and theta activities when the eyes are open. The delta wave is lesser when the eyes are open than they are closed. The same is true with the theta wave. Theta and delta waves are more noticeable during sleep, ergo, such waves are less prominent when the participant is wide awake. 5.  Define the following terms (refer to table 3.1 for assistance): i. Alpha rhythm Alpha waves are present during quiet, relaxed and idle time although the person is still awake but with eyes closed. They are bigger but slower compare with beta waves. ii. Beta rhythm Beta waves are smaller and faster compared with alpha waves. Beta wave is prominent during activities which require attention, concentration, or focus.   iii. Delta rhythm Delta waves are the slowest thereby forming big waves on the monitor. They are produced in deepest meditation and dreamless sleep. iv. Theta rhythm Theta waves are common during sleep and deep meditation. They are slower and produced bigger waves compared with alpha waves. Lesson 04 Data Report: EEG II Amplitudes A. Complete Table 4.1 with the amplitudes of the recorded data in the control and experimental conditions. Calculate the difference for the Alpha-RMS Mean between the Experimental Conditions and the Control. Table 4.1 Amplitudes Condition Raw EEG Alpha Alpha RMS Alpha RMS difference Exp. – Control Eyes closed (control) 2.52 1.38 0.25 Mental arithmetic 1.86 0.91 0.17 -0.46 Recovery from hyperventilation 6.85 2.73 0.30 -0.05 Eyes open 1.48 0.78 0.15 0.1 Frequency B. What is the frequency of an alpha rhythm from “Eyes closed” data?  = __40_Hz Does this agree with the expected values?     Yes  /   No Explain your answer. No. The normal range for alpha waves when the eyes are closed is 8 – Hz. II. Questions 1. Refer to Table 4.1: When was the general amplitude of the EEG highest? Why is this? The general amplitude of the EEG was the highest during recovery from hyperventilation. This is because the brain’s general electrical activity increases during hyperventilation. 2. Refer to Table 4.1: When were the alpha wave levels highest and why? The alpha wave levels were highest during recovery from hyperventilation this is due to the fact that during hyperventilation the electrical activity of the brain increases universally including the alpha waves. 3. Refer to Table 4.1: How do your results compare with the information presented in the Introduction? Explain any discrepancies. The results were in accord with the information presented in the Introduction of Lesson 04. The result in the recovery from hyperventilation presented the highest general amplitude of EEG which was in conformity with the information provided in the Introduction that hyperventilation can cause the brain’s electrical activity to increase including the alpha rhythms. Also, the amplitudes of alpha rhythms had reduced in the eyes open compared with the eyes closed. Moreover, changes in the amplitudes were observed during mental arithmetic. 4. Did the participant need to concentrate during math problems?     Yes  /   No How would the level of concentration required affect the data? Yes, the participant needed to concentrate during math problems. The level of concentration required in solving the math problem affected the data in such a way that the level of alpha rhythms had diminished as manifested by Alpha RMS of 0.17 compared with Alpha RMS of 0.25 when the eyes are closed and doing nothing. 5. What might account for the amplitude difference of waves recorded from a participant tested alone, in a darkened room, and participants tested in a lab full of students? It is fundamental that EEG results vary as the mental state of every individual diversifies. A participant tested alone in a darkened room may tend to be more relax and still than participants tested in a lab full of students. Physiologically, the absence of light triggers the production of melatonin thereby producing drowsiness or sleepiness. Nonetheless, if the participant is afraid of the dark or of being alone, it can also produce different amplitudes. As regards the participants tested in a lab full of students, relaxing and keeping still might be difficult. It is to be noted that any movement or activity can affect the brain’s electrical activity. 6. Define “neurofeedback” and provide a brief review of the literature using neurofeedback in a clinical setting for one of the following disorders: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder); PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder); ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Make sure that you cite and reference all sources. N.B. The answer to question 6 should be a minimum of 500 words long (not including references). Neurofeedback simply means training the brain to obtain maximum potential and benefits. This method is used to suppress certain brain waves related to low performance and to optimize brain waves associated with best performance of the brain. (What is neurofeedback n.d.) It is previously named electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback and is infrequently called as neurotherapy. It has been used as a therapy for ADHD. Individuals with ADHD are shown to have more theta wave and less beta wave in their EEG than those without ADHD. Advocates of this treatment propose that the brain can be trained to increase beta waves and reduce theta waves thereby reducing ADHD symptoms. In neurofeedback, electrodes are placed on a persons head to examine brain activity. (National Resource Center on ADHD n.d.) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). (National Institute of Mental Health n.d.) Annually, parents and adults with ADHD search for alternative therapies due to medications’ unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness and inability to manage the symptoms of ADHD. As stated by Cynthia Kerson of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research, about 10,000 children with ADHD are being treated in the United States. (Michaels n.d.) Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a psychostimulant drug commonly used to treat children and adolescents with ADHD. Three doses of 10 mg Ritalin per day on school days are usually administered to children on school days. Neurofeedback is said to be equally effective therapy as medications. For parents who seek alternative therapy, neurofeedback is a safe and effective treatment option. The child will normally attend 10 to 20 sessions or more of 30 t0 60 minutes depending on the seriousness of symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics in November 2012 accredited biofeedback and neurofeedback as Level 1 or “best support” therapy option for children with ADHD. EEG neurofeedback concentrates on the brain’s activity in order to give information from time to time. Neurofeedback affords audio and visual explications of the brain waves. Studies show that the brains of children with ADHD are incapable of regulating the frontal region causing the mid-brain to react promptly without a checking system. Neurofeedback revives the frontal region’s strength, and creates a better communication between the mid-brain and forebrain. As a result, attention and emotional reactions become manageable. (Dename 2013) The goal of neurofeedback is to assist children with ADHD to be attentive when the need arises especially in school. In neurofeedback session, a doctor will direct the child to concentrate on particular tasks. The sensors and monitors fastened to a child’s body will display how its body is responding. Simultaneously, the child can observe its brain wave patterns. Theoretically, children can learn to make their brains remain active while performing a certain task. The monitors will be used as guides to determine which of the methods is most beneficial. This method will now be used to help the child focus and perform better when the sensors are no longer attached. Some studies demonstrated improved control and behaviour of children who had undergone neurofeedback. (Holland, 2014) New research reveals that computer-based neurofeedback can yield remarkable and enduring enhancement in concentration of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Also, it is better compared to computer-based cognitive training (CT). Children who had undergone computer-based neurofeedback attained quicker and superior improvements in ADHD symptoms, which were performed at the 6- month follow-up, than their peers who had been exposed to computer CT. According to Naomi Steiner, MD, of the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, this finding of sustainability of improvements is a significant finding as this is not the usual occurrence post behavioural intervention. Neurofeedback trains persons with ADHD to increase their beta waves to achieve an attentive state and to suppress theta waves to avoid a drowsy state through monitoring the brain waves shown on a computer screen. (Brooks, 2014) Neurofeedback is not without critics. A number of them have valid objections. For some, neurofeedback has not been subjected to rigorous, large and double-blind studies. Other experts assert that it is vague whether the therapy or the one-on-one with a therapist is reason for the improvements in children with ADHD. While there are experts who admit that neurofeedback may improve the attention of ADHD patients, other problems associated with ADHD are not being addressed. Also, the critics believe that neurofeedback should be employed only in conjunction with medications. (Michaels n.d.) References Brooks, M 2014, Neurofeedback for ADHD: Significant, Lasting Improvement. Available from: [5 December 2014] Dename, K 2013, Neurofeedback Therapy an Effective, Non-Drug Treatment for ADHD. 10 June 2013. Kristi A. Dename: Blog. Available from: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/06/10/neurofeedback-therapy-an-effective-non-drug-treatment-for-adhd/ [5 December 2014] Holland, K 2014, Can Neurofeedback Help Treat ADHD?. Available from: http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/neurofeedback-adhd#5 [5 December 2014] Michaels, P n.d., ‘Can neurofeedback really help build stronger focus and attention? Heres what you need to know about this alternative ADHD treatment’, ADDitutde. Available from: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/3330.html> [5 December 2014] National Institute of Mental Health n.d., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Government of United States of America. Available from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov [5 December 2014] National Resource Center on ADHD n.d., Complementary and Alternative Treatments: Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) and ADHD (WWK6A). Available from: [5 December 2014] What is neurofeedback? n.d. Available from: [5 December 2014] Read More