Integrative Cortical Functions in the Immature Brain – Investigations in Human Newborns using EEG

The perinatal period in human beings is characterized by rapid developmental changes of the CNS. Results from animal experiments indicate that spontaneous activity may be of essential importance for this development. Insights into the functional organization can be provided by EEG, but up to now only limited information is available. We hypothesize that highly organized functional patterns are generated in newborn brains in spite of their immaturity. We investigated healthy full-term newborns by multichannel EEG during quiet sleep. Part of the EEG is characterized by the recurrent appearance of high voltage peri…