The electroencephalogram of normal adolescent males: visual assessment and relationship with other variables.
The electroencephalograms (EEGS) were recorded of 223 boys aged from 12 to 16 years inclusive from four different kinds of schools in the former borough of Warley, an industrial area on the outskirts of Birmingham, England. A battery of psychological tests were also administered and descriptions of behaviour were obtained from parents and teachers, as well as information on development and previous medical history. The data were analysed in terms of (a) prevalence of certain EEG features, usually considered abnormal, and (b) the relationship between the EEG and other demographic, developmental and psychological factors. Only 2-2 per cent of the EEGS showed definite abnormalities, such as localised sharp waves and/or spike and wave complexes in their resting record and/or during hyperventilation and photic stimulation, while a further 13-9 per cent showed very slight abnormalities or "immaturity". The abnormal and immature EEGS were significantly related to social class, type of school and positive medical history (especially a history of convulsions or faints). Comparisons with previously reported data are discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044469:Racial Groups; D012016:Reference Values; D012640:Seizures; D012923:Social Class