Cortical DC-potentials as electrophysiological correlates of hemispheric dominance of higher cognitive functions

Cortical activation during cognitive processing was assessed with a new, noninvasive electrophysiological method: Cortical DC-potentials were recorded from frontal, central, temporal and parietal electrode positions on the scalps of 150 normal adult subjects while they performed cognitive tasks involving language, calculation, music and spatial vision. During the 10-s registration period, shifts in DC-potentials were analyzed with reference to a baseline 3-s preperiod. 15-30 trials were averaged. A lateralized preponderance of negativity by more than 3 microV was used as the criterion of hemispheric dominance. Language tasks caused left-sided lateralization in 76% of the right-handers (n = 80), bilaterally equal surface negativity in 15% and right-sided lateralization in 9%. During the same tasks, 22% of the left-handers (n = 45) had right-sided lateralization. Calculation tasks produced left-sided lateralization in 65% of the right-handers and left-handers. Music tasks caused more right-sided (53%) than left-sided (39%) lateralization dependent on musical training. Visuospatial processing yielded a right temporoparietal lateralization in 77%.