Normative Data Base of Brain Network Activation (BNA) Using Evoked Response Potentials

Currently, there is no reliable, bedside, and non-invasive method for assessing connectivity changes in electrophysiological activity of the brain associated with brain-related pathologies, e.g., concussion, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), etc. Event Related Potentials (ERPs), which are temporal reflections of the neural mass electrical activity of cells in specific regions of the brain that occur in response to stimuli, may offer such a method, as they provide both a non-invasive and portable measure of brain function. The ERPs provide excellent temporal information, but spatial resolution for ERPs has traditionally been limited. However, by using high-density electroencephalograph (EEG) recording spatial resolution for ERPs is improved significantly. The paradigm for the current study will combine neurophysiological knowledge with mathematical signal processing and pattern recognition methods (BNA) to temporally and spatially map brain function, connectivity and synchronization.

The need of objective measures that will help the clinician in its decision making in brain-related pathologies is recognized. BNA is a new imaging modality that has been developed to fill this gap.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 10-years and above.
• Able to speak, read and understand English sufficiently to understand the nature of the study, and to allow completion of all study assessments.
• Willingness to participate and able to give informed assent (child) and/or consent (parent for minors or adult 18+ years of age for self).

Exclusion criteria

• Has participated in the past 6 months in an organized contact sport activity (e.g., football, hockey, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, martial arts, Boxing).
• Currently with lice or open wounds on scalp.
• Any chronic disease or condition which affects the nervous system as determined by clinical neurological evaluation, medical history or PI discretion.
• Active (within 1 month) Migraine history or clinically significant reoccurring Migraine episodes.
• Any psychiatric disorder, e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenic disorder, etc. as determined by clinical evaluation and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
• Any CNS neurologic disorder, e.g., epilepsy, seizures, etc. as determined by clinical evaluation
• Any neuropsychological disorders, e.g.: ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), etc. as determined by clinical evaluation
• History of Special education, e.g., reading disorder (dyslexia), writing disorder (dysgraphia), math disorder (dyscalculia), nonverbal learning disorder.
• History of any medication affecting CNS within the last 3 months, e.g., antidepressants, anticonvulsants, psychostimulants, first generation antihistamines, etc. The investigator should consider including subjects which had used such drugs for a short period according to a logical calculation of the drug's half-life.
• Substance abuse in the last 3 months and any clinically significant substance dependency as determined by the MINI evaluation and PI discretion.
• Significant sensory deficits, e.g., deafness or blindness.
• Pregnant women or women that are 1 month following a childbirth.
• History of any clinically significant brain trauma as determined by the investigator.
• History of more than 1 clinically diagnosed concussion.
• Clinically diagnosed with a concussion in the past year. Minor deviations to eligibility criteria may be made on a case-by-case basis prior to enrollment if approved by the Sponsor, in writing, in agreement with the Investigator.