Untersuchungen zur Genetik besonders regelm��iger hoher Alpha-Wellen im EEG des Menschen

A specific pattern of the normal electroencephalogram, which is characterized by unusually regular, high voltaged α-waves reaching up to the frontal cortex is analyzed as to its mode of inheritance, as marriages between persons with the EEG-trait were more frequent than expected.

Abstract

A specific pattern of the normal electroencephalogram, which is characterized by unusually regular, high voltaged α-waves reaching up to the frontal cortex is analyzed as to its mode of inheritance. Therefore 4 monocygotic and 2 dicygotic twin pairs, who carried this EEG-pattern were examined and their EEGs were compared. The brain-wave-patterns of 35 families, consisting of 146 persons, were analyzed. These families had been ascertained starting from an unselected series of propositi. For the interpretation, a method given by Motokawa for the quantitative determination of the regularity of the α-waves was modified. This method gave the possibility of showing a positive correlation between the average amplitude of the EEG and its regularity. The EEG-patterns were evaluated using this index, for which we suggest the term “Persistenz”. The monocygotic twin pairs proved to be concordant, the dicygotic were discordant. Hence, a genetic basis of this character is assumed. Besides, the results of the family-investigations gave some indications for an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance: No correlation was found between EEG-trait and somatic or constitutional properties. On the other side, a correlation with personality is possible, as marriages between persons with the EEG-trait were more frequent than expected.