Quantitative characteristics of the alpha-band of the electroencephalogram in people with alcohol dependence

Abstract

To study the quantitative characteristics of the alpha-band in patients with alcoholism, depending on the main clinical and dynamic characteristics of the disease. A total of 76 patients, aged 24 to 55 years, with alcohol dependence were examined. Forty-five healthy individuals were examined as a control group. Recording and analysis of the electric activity of the brain was carried out using a 16-channel encephalograph in a state of calm wakefulness with closed and open eyes. The values of the absolute spectral power of the alpha-band were analyzed, the microstructure of the alpha spindle and the alpha band reactivity index were evaluated. The values of the spectral power of the alpha-band with closed eyes were statistically significantly lower in patients with alcohol dependence in all leads (p<0.05), except for the antero-temporal and mid-temporal. The microstructure of the alpha spindle in patients with alcohol dependence was mainly represented by a flat (59.2%) or low-amplitude (28.9%) type with a predominance of an accelerated band (40.8%). The degree of alpha-band depression in the leads P3 (p=0.043), P4 (p=0.047), O2 (p=0.039), T5 (p=0.037) and T6 (p=0.002) was significantly less pronounced in patients with alcohol dependence compared to the control group. The results of the study indicate that some aspects of addictive behavior are accompanied by significant objective functional changes in the brain.