Quantitative EEG in children with learning disabilities: analysis of band power

Abstract

In order to better understand the mechanisms of learning disabilities it is important to evaluate the electroencephalogram parameters and their relation to the results of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Thirty-six children with complaints of learning disability were studied. Electroencephalograms were carried out while awake and resting, and the values for absolute and relative powers calculated. The results were compared with those of 36 healthy children paired with respect to age, gender and maternal scholastic level. In the group with learning disabilities, the absolute (in the delta, theta and alpha 1 bands) and relative (theta) power values were higher and the relative power alpha 2 value significantly lower at the majority of the electrodes in relation to the control group. There was a high positive correlation in the children with learning disabilities between the relative power alpha 2 and the verbal, performance and total IQ values. These quantitative electroencephalogram findings in children with learning disabilities have a clear relation with psychological measurements and could be due to brain immaturity.