Normative Data of Brain Network Activation in Adolescents and Young Adults

Currently, there is no reliable, practical, and non-invasive method for assessing 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 noninvasive 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 15-24 years.
• 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

• Currently participate in a contact sport (e.g., football, hockey, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, martial arts).
• Currently with lice or open wounds on scalp.
• Any chronic disease as determined by clinical evaluation and medical history.
• 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.
• Substance abuse in the last 3 months.
• Significant sensory deficits, e.g., deafness or blindness.
• History of any clinically significant brain trauma as determined by the investigator.