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.

- 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, open wounds on scalp.

- Any chronic disease.

- Any psychiatric disorder, e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenic disorder,
etc.

- Any CNS neurologic disorder, e.g., epilepsy, seizures, etc.

- Any neuropsychological disorders, e.g.: ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), etc.

- 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 brain trauma.