BRAIN SCANS
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain. It is a safe, painless, radiation-free, non-invasive measurement tool that tracks and records brain wave patterns using electrodes which are attached to the scalp with wires. Brain cells communicate with each other through electrical impulses. Electrodes analyze these impulses in the brain and send signals to a computer that records the results to help detect potential problems associated with abnormal patterns in brain activity.
AUDIO P300
The EEG Audio P300 is an event-related potential (ERP) and a subconscious measure of attention and memory that measures the brain’s speed (roughly 300 milliseconds) in recognizing an odd (high) tone and the quality or power of this recognition.
The latency is a measure of classification speed and how quick the tone was recognized. The amplitude is considered proportional to the strength and power devoted to recognizing the tone.
An increase in latency and/or a decrease in amplitude in brain waves recorded from EEG scans has been observed in various conditions associated with reduced cognitive function, including aging, dementia, trauma, and vascular issues.
THETA/BETA AT CZ
EEG theta and beta waves are associated with cortical arousal, which increases wakefulness, vigilance, muscle tone, heart rate, and minute ventilation of the brain.
Theta waves have a low frequency (4-8 Hz) in a state of deep relaxation, meditation, imagery with good/creative ideas. Beta waves have a high frequency (13-21 Hz) and in a state of awake, actively engaged in mental activities.
The theta and beta brain waves recorded from an EEG scan shows the balance struck between logical/rational and creative/intuitive processing. Theta and beta wave correlation have been shown to consistently differentiate between people with and those without ADHD.
F3/F4 ALPHA
EEGs present prominent alpha waves, a moderate frequency (8-12 Hz), in calm, relaxed, resting state of the brain. Sensory inputs tend to be minimized and your mind is generally clear of unwanted thoughts.
When your brain shifts gears to focus on a specific thought—in either a positive or negative way—alpha waves tend to disappear and higher frequency beta waves begin running the show.
Differences in the alpha waves between the left and ride sides of the brain, recorded from an EEG at the F3 and F4 electrode locations, can give information about emotional states. Studies have found large differences in alpha waves between the left-front and right-front of the brain have been associated with anxiety and depression, often found in PTSD.