Alpha wave
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Alpha waves are electromagnetic oscillations in the frequency range of 8–12 Hz arising from synchronous and coherent (in phase / constructive) electrical activity of thalamic pacemaker cells. They are also called Berger's wave in memory of the founder of EEG.
Alpha waves are one type of brain waves detected either by electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) and predominantly originate from the occipital lobe during wakeful relaxation with closed eyes. Alpha waves are reduced with open eyes and drowsiness and sleep. They are thought to represent the activity of the visual cortex in an idle state. Occipital alpha waves during periods of eyes closed are the strongest EEG brain signals. They usually can be detected with the naked eye.
An alpha-like variant called mu (μ) can be found over the motor cortex (central scalp) that is reduced with movement, or the intention to move. Alpha waves do not start to appear until three years of age.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Kolev V, Başar-Eroglu C, Aksu F, Başar E. (1994). EEG rhythmicities evoked by visual stimuli in three-year-old children. Int J Neurosci. 75(3-4):257-70. PMID 8050866
- Brazier, M. A. B. (1970), written at London, The Electrical Activity of the Nervous System, Pitman
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