Kolmogorov entropy changes and cortical lateralization during complex problem solving task measured with EEG

Lian-Yi Zhang

doi:10.4236/jbise.2009.28097

Abstract

The objective is to study changes in EEG time-domain Kolmogorov entropy and cortical lateralization of brain function areas during complex problem solving mental task in healthy human subjects. EEG data for healthy subjects are acquired during complex problem solving mental task using a net of 6 electrodes. The subject was given a nontrivial multiplication problem to solve and the signals were recorded for 10s during the task. Kolmogorov entropy values during the task were calculated. It was found that Kolmogorov entropy values were obviously greater in P4 channel (right) than ones in P3 channel (left) during complex problem solving task. It indicated that all subjects presented significant left parietal lateralization for the total frequency spectrum. These results suggest that it may be possible to noninvasively lateralize, and even eventually localize, cerebral regions essential for particular mental tasks from scalp EEG data.

Highlights

Functional lateralization is an important organizing principle of the human brain
It was found that Kolmogorov entropy values were obviously greater in P4 channel than ones in P3 channel during complex problem solving task
It indicated that all subjects presented significant left parietal lateralization for the total frequency spectrum

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Functional lateralization is an important organizing principle of the human brain. The left and right cortices have different specializations and each contributes to the performance of most cognitive tasks. The cortical lateralization can be confirmed through experiments such as injecting sodium amytal into a hemisphere (Wada test), measuring RT (Radioisotope Tracer), the split brain, hemispherectomy, and so on. Being invasive procedures, these traditional techniques are associated with some risk and discomfort. It was found that Kolmogorov entropy values were obviously greater in P4 channel (right) than ones in P3 channel (left) during complex problem solving task. It indicated that the subjects presented significant left parietal lateralization for the total frequency spectrum.

Algorithm

Complex Problem Solveing Task

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

CONCLUSIONS