EEG maturation: viability through adolescence

As our brain matures, the EEG patterns change in a predictable manner These cortical developments create age-specific waveforms that help decipher the normal maturation of the EEG. The majority of these changes take place during the neonatal period when waveform alterations occur week to week from discontinuous bursts to a more continuous background. From the neonatal period to infancy, background patterns of sleep and awake begin to show the continuity seen in older children and adults. With further maturation, the neonatal patterns of awake and sleep develop into the posterior dominant rhythm and distinguishable sleep structures of childhood. While pediatric patterns mirror the mature waveforms of adult EEG, their morphology and reactive response differentiates them. The goal of this article is to illustrate the normal maturation and development of the EEG using the age-specific waveforms and patterns seen in neonates, infants, children, and adolescence.