ABSTRACT
We report on a new quantitative EEG-approach, called Ipsative Trend Assessment which is based on the spatio-temporally defined patterns which are generated by the global interaction of cortical neurons. METHODS: The data were acquired from EEGs being recorded under resting conditions. Target variables are not the usually employed absolute values of the spectral parameters but rather their change being calculated from successive recordings with a single subjects design. RATIONALE: Since the resting-EEG does not provide specific information, we had to decide what else might be addressed by that method. CONCLUSIONS: Our hypothesis according to which the SR-EEG indicates Selye's behaviorally non-specific General Adaptation Syndrome is based on good evidence. MAIN FINDINGS: Dynamic pattern comparison between subsequent EEGs on the single case level is a hitherto neglected method, which may be utilize, for instance, with regard to objective therapeutic outcome assessment. SIGNIFICANCE: In order to substantiate the clinical meaningfulness of our new approach we report two case vignettes of psychiatric impairments. Apart from that, our procedure should provide the desperately needed objective assessment of the therapeutic effect with any disease displaying a certain proportion of unspecific symptoms.
