Abstract
The study of the electroencephalogram in infancy and childhood has thus far received little attention from investigators. Of the existing data those of Lindsley 1 (c.f. also Berger, 2 Loomis, Harvey and Hobart, 3 Davis and Davis, 4 and Kreezer 5 ) showing the nature of the frequency variation of the so-called “alpha waves” with age are the most complete. In the present study observations have been made which are in general corroboration of Lindsley's findings except for one minor difference. In addition data have been obtained which indicate the presence within a few days after birth of previously unreported rhythmic waves apparently different from the alpha waves and emanating from the motor region.
Observations were made upon 58 normal children ranging in age from one day to 17 years. The group included 13 infants and young children upon whom serial observations were made at intervals of 7 to 30 days over a period of several months. In order to record the alpha waves which in the adult are usually observed over the occipital lobes, standard electrode positions over this region (both electrodes on the midline, the anterior one just posterior to the lambda and the inter-electrode distance 3½ to 4½ cm.) were employed. Recording technique including amplifiers and ink-writing undulators was standard. Tracings were taken with the child lying at rest and in semi-darkness within a shielded chamber.
Under these conditions the potentials appearing during the first 2½ months are predominantly random and “base line” in appearance. During the second month irregular sequences of waves of alpha amplitude (50μv approximately) may be observed but it is not until the tenth or twelfth week that short series of rhythmic waves varying between 3 and 4 oscillations per second begin to appear.
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