CARTOGRAPHY OF CONSCIOUSNESS: A FUNCTIONAL RE-EXAMINATION OF THETA, ALPHA, AND BETA

Abstract

Scalp surface field potential changes (EEG) have long been associated with activities of neuronal processes in the brain. In spite of much knowledge, success in identifYing EEG signatures which represent specific brain activation states has been limited. Using on line fast-fourier transforms of brainwave signals and computer displays with one-second updates of 5, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 28 Hz (with 1 Hz bandwidth), specific brainwave signatures were identified for attentional, cognitive, imaginal, and somatosensory states. The data bring into question the functional utility ascribed to the commonly used brainwave frequency bands designated as Delta, Theta, Alpha, and Beta. The quest for the neuroanatomic substrate of conscious intention is addressed within the context of brain-based parking spots and how they pertain to the invisible and difficult to quantifY thing called "mind."