Brain Rate as an Indicator of the Level of Consciousness

As a general activation of the mind, mental arousal characterizes the level of consciousness, irrespective of its content. Recently, a parameter called the brain rate (expressing the mean frequency of brain rhythms) has been introduced. It appears that the brain rate, which is equal to an EEG spectrum weighted frequency, can serve as a diagnostic indicator of general mental activation (level of consciousness) and serve in addition to heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature as a standard indicator of general bodily activation. Empirically, it has been shown that brain rate measurements can be used to discriminate between the groups of under-arousal and over-arousal disorders, and to assess attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inner arousal, and the quality of sleep, as well as to indicate the IQ changes caused by some environmental toxins. Brain rate is also suitable for revealing the patterns of sensitivity/rigidity in the EEG spectrum, including frequency bands related to the permeability of corresponding neuronal circuits, based on which individually adapted biofeedback protocols can be specified.