Auditory information processing in children with subepileptic activity examined by EEG cartography

Abstract

Purpose to examine the relationship between prefrontal–frontal and temporal regions according to amplitude of EEG rhythms during 10 s of peaceful condition and period of listening auditory information in children with subepileptic activity. Methods The sample consists of 8 children, 6–8 years old, who have speech-language disorder and are on continuous treatment in Institute for experimental phonetics and speech pathology in Belgrade, where the EEG cartography was performed. None of children had paroxysmal epileptic activity. The periods for auditory stimulation analysis lasted 10 s and were taken from EEG trace immediately after the subepileptic activity was registered as mono, double or triple spike waves. Theta (4–8 Hz), alpha1 (8–10 Hz), alpha 2 (10–12 Hz) and beta (15–20) rhythms were analysed. Results During the period of listening auditory information it was significantly decreased the amplitude of theta activity while the processing between prefrontal-frontal and temporal regions was increased in α1, α2 and β rhythm (15–20 Hz). The relationships between examined rhythms and certain regions’ functions are discussed in the paper. Conclusion The presentation of auditory information immediately after discharging of specific potentials results with situational excitement decreasing whereas directed attention and the elaboration of auditory stimulation are increased.