Clinical Significance of Neuronal Oscillations in Children and Adolescents

In the assessment and treatment of young patients the complex structure and changes of neuronal activity during childhood and adolescence must be considered. Consequently, a multidimensional approach, combining psychometric tests with neurometric tools, in particular EEG and QEEG, is important. This paper is devoted to own experience with this approach applied to pediatric patients. Two specific groups of disorders are considered, identified as psychic (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and mental anorexia) and somatopsychic (dehydration, and lead toxicity). In addition to standard properties, in analyzing neuronal oscillations, the brain rate parameter is used. It is shown that individually adapted integral approach, based on multichannel data for spectrum-weighted frequencies and corresponding arousal levels is crucial. Still, any sophisticated neurometrics can not be substitute for clinical competence and experience.