Exploration of cognitive processes in children and adolescents by means of visual event related potentials

BACKGROUND: Viewing pictures activates the human brain in a complex manner. Stimulated brain areas can be identified by electrophysiological methods even in children. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Event related potentials (ERP) were recorded with EEG-surface electrodes in children and adolescents who were shown pictures of increasing complexity. Pictures were categorized into morphologic features such as brightness, color and pattern as well as semantic content. Results: Presentation of comics and unstructured pictures, similar in color and brightness, revealed ERP with nearly identical early components (P 100). However, substantial differences were found in frontocentral brain areas. A negative wave at approximately 400 ms was recorded only when comics were shown. CONCLUSIONS: Semantic scenes provoked significant different ERP, which indicate an early involvement of complex neuronal networks. These results could be applied in the research of pediatric cognitive disturbances.