This is an interesting observation. I have seen, in some normal people, who have no complaints, that if they have elevated 12-15, that you may not want to train it down, as it may cause some edginess. In others, we have found the 12-15 Hz downtraining beneficial.
I think that, in this case, the excess 12-15 in these kids is not a "peak performance" attribute, but may be a coping mechanism or compensation mechanism that, in this case, is OK to train using the z-scores. Your comment that it seems to be related to tics indicates that the motor system is overcompensating in some way, and does not have appropriate levels of inhbition in primary motor control.
In all cases, even when using z-scores to automatically target the training, it is important to keep a close watch on the clinical signs, to ensure that the training direction is in fact beneficial. Sounds like it is in this case.
The general rule is that, when there is a complaint, and when an EEG abnormality is consistent with the complaint, and when it is reasonable to reason that alleviating the EEG abnormality will relieve the symptoms, then you can proceed with z-score targeting, while always watching the clinical outcome.
Thanks for the feedback!
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:55 AM
Subject: RE: [brainm] Articulation problems in a 12 yo male
I have been seeing a lot of elevated 12-15hz activity lately in the kids referred to me and it does seem to be highest on the days when they are more moody, argumentative, etc. I have been downtraining this activity (through z-score training) with success (reduction of symptoms). This elevated activity also seems to be related to the presence of tics in a few of my kids.
To: brainm@yahoogroups.com
From: drstarr@17ap.com
Date: Thu, 22 May 2008 08:45:46 -0500
Subject: [brainm] Articulation problems in a 12 yo male
We have been training a 12 yo male who suffers from attentional problems, articulation difficulties and irritability as the major presenting symptoms. He has completed 20 sessions of Fz theta inhibition with some positive results in his ability to attend, and in his speech. On repeat qEEG he is exhibiting high amplitude from 12-15 hz in the frontal lobes bilaterally with more on the right. We are wondering if inhibiting 12-15 hz at f3/f4 would have any impact on his speech, and mood. Any thoughts?