About Brainwaves

Brainwaves show us what types of activities are present and how different areas of the brain are communicating. There are over 100 billion neurons (brain cells) and over a 100 trillion synapses (connections between neurons). A pathway in the brain consists of a specific group of neurons and their connecting synapses. When you are engaged in an activity, e.g. reading, sleeping, performing a skill you have learned, etc., specific neuronal pathways for those activities are functioning. The synapses within the different pathways produce different types of electrical waves we call brainwaves.

Brainwaves are divided by frequency into five basic groups, Beta, SMR, Alpha, Theta and Delta.

Beta is the highest frequency group at 12 to 36 HZ (hertz – cycles per second). It is further subdivided into:

• Low Frequency Beta. 16 -20 HZ. Produced when we are awake, calm, alert, attentive, externally focused. It is produced when we are engaged in problem solving. It is also associated with the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine (neurotransmitters are bio-chemicals that transmit nerve impulses between nerve cells). People with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) often produce these Beta waves in lesser amounts.

• High Frequency Beta. 21 – 36 HZ. These may be correlated with anxiety, hyperactivity, headaches, insomnia and chronic pain.

• Very High Frequency Beta. 24 – 36 HZ. Can occur with worrying, ruminating (turning a matter over and over in the mind), and hyper vigilance (scanning the environment for threats). These may be associated with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder, and addiction disorders.

SMR (sensorimotor rhythm). 12 -15 HZ. While SMR is within the Beta range, it is only found over the Sensorimotor cortex, a section of the top of the brain that runs across between the ears. It is active when our brains are integrating sensory input (what we see, hear, feel, smell or taste) with motor output (body movement). The ability of the brain to produce high levels of SMR has been linked to decreased hyperactivity and an increased resistance to seizures. Several studies have shown that increasing levels of SMR may reduce grand mal seizures in epileptics by 70%.

Alpha is the next lowest frequency group at 8 -12 HZ. Alpha is associated with the release of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, which in turn is associated with sleeping patterns and the ability to enter into deep and restful sleep.

It can be produced with meditation and gives a sense of inner calm or peacefulness. The amount of Alpha normally doubles when the eyes are closed. Alpha Blocking is a condition where this doubling with the eyes closed does not occur. Alpha Blocking is associated with:

• Insomnia
• Migraine and Tension Headache
• Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
• Anxiety
• Stress
• PTSD

Theta waves are next at 4 -8 HZ. They are the main wave being produced when we are falling asleep.

Theta is associated with recalling memories and creativity but may also occur inappropriately in distractibility, inattention, daydreaming, depression and anxiety. Excessive amounts are typically found in people with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

Delta waves are the lowest frequency at 1-4 HZ.

They occur in deep sleep and trigger the release of HGH (human growth hormone) which is necessary for healing and regeneration. Many people with insomnia, fibromyalgia or chronic pain do not get sufficient delta deep sleep and may be deficient in HGH as a result.

Decreased delta may also be present in learning disabled children and in people with TBI (traumatic brain injury).

Delta is also associated with the production of the neurotransmitter Serotonin which is necessary for reducing pain perception.

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The Significance of Brain Waves

Our brain regulates communication between all the systems of the body. Neurological Regulation refers to the ability of the brain to regulate itself. A healthy, balanced and properly self regulated nervous system will produce the appropriate brain waves at the appropriate levels and at the appropriate times for any given situation. Neurological Dysregulation is a term for when this normal brainwave function does not occur.

There are conditions confirmed by university based research to be related to abnormal brainwave patterns including:

• ADHD

• Insomnia

• Insomnia Related Conditions

• Migraine Headache

• Tension Headache

• Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Conditions suspected to be related to abnormal brainwave patterns include:

• Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

• Depression

• Learning Disorders

• Dyslexia

• Tics

• Tourette’s Syndrome

• Memory Loss

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Some cases of Traumatic Brain Injury

• Panic and Anxiety Disorders

• Post Stroke Syndrome

Conditions unrelated to abnormal brainwave patterns include:

• Fear

• Anger/Defiance

• Selfishness

• “Melt Downs”

• Scattered Thoughts

• Intrusive Thoughts

• Dysfunctional Relationships

• Jealousy

• Unhappiness

Next: Research on SMR and seizures