Variations in electroencephalography with mobile phone usage in medical students

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Biophysics

Background:

• Cellular telephones emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) linked to potential neurological issues, including cognitive dysfunction and altered brain activity.
• Previous studies suggest slowing of brain activity on electroencephalography (EEG), but require further validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate electroencephalography (EEG) changes and adverse effects associated with cellular telephone use.
• To assess the impact of mobile phone application on brain activity patterns and subjective well-being.

Main Methods:

• Video-electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were performed on 21 students before and after mobile phone application (switched off, on, and in use for conversation).
• Average EEG frequencies and amplitudes were analyzed across different brain regions.
• Statistical comparisons were made using Chi-square and t-tests.

Main Results:

• Mobile phone use during conversation led to increased EEG frequencies and decreased amplitudes, particularly on the right side.
• Slow waves were observed in various brain regions (frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal), with generalized slow waves in some students.
• Reported adverse effects included headache, irritation, drowsiness during the experiment, and frequent headaches, concentration loss, sleep disturbances, and fatigue in daily life.

Conclusions:

• Experimental mobile phone application can induce measurable EEG changes.
• Observed EEG alterations and reported adverse effects suggest potential impacts on well-being from mobile phone use.
• Prolonged use of mobile phones warrants caution due to potential neurological and well-being implications.