What are Brain Waves?

Abnormal Brain Waves Are Linked to Brain Injury

When brain waves are imbalanced, we may experience various forms of mental, emotional, and neurological health problems. For example, over-arousal of certain parts of the brain can cause lack of focus, anxiety, or aggression, while under-arousal can lead to depression and chronic pain.

Findings reported in the journal Cerebral Cortex, documented abnormally high levels of gamma waves in veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) – symptoms included headaches, irritability, sleep disorders, memory lapses, slower thinking, and depression. Another study published in the journal Brain Injury, found abnormal slow delta waves in veterans with mild TBI’s.

Brain-stimulation Therapies Show Promise for Balancing Brain Waves

The brain, like any organ of the body, functions best when it is balanced and healthy. Noninvasive brain-stimulation therapies are a hot-topic of research showing promise to help regulate brain waves and optimize brain function. In the journal Neural Plasticity, a review of brain stimulation techniques reported them to be a promising therapeutic to modulate brain wave activity, promote cognitive enhancement, and minimize memory and learning deficits. Other findings, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, showed improvement in slow delta waves after brain stimulation, leading to improved sleep and memory consolidation in Alzheimer patients.

References:

“Promoting Sleep Oscillations and Their Functional Coupling by Transcranial Stimulation Enhances Memory Consolidation in Mild Cognitive Impairment”. Julia Ladenbauer, et al, The Journal of Neuroscience, July 26, 2017 • 37(30):7111–7124 • 7111

Veterans Affairs Research Communications. “Combat personnel with brain injuries pinpoints abnormal brain waves: Finding could help target brain-stimulation therapies.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 9 May 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190509153430.htm>.

Neural Plasticity. 2020 Feb 25;2020:4795267. doi: 10.1155/2020/4795267. eCollection 2020. “Memory and Cognition-Related Neuroplasticity Enhancement by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Rodents: A Systematic Review.” Cavaleiro C1,2

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eeg/about/pac-20393875

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-t-1997-12-22/

In the middle are alpha waves that occur when your resting, visualizing or being creative. Beta waves are the second-highest frequency and usually occur when you are awake, alert and concentrating. At the top of the frequency spectrum are gamma waves that occur during the highest levels of focus and wakefulness.