Brain Waves

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Delta wave
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For other uses, see Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Delta waves, an EEG (electroencephalograph) one second sample

A delta wave is a high amplitude brain wave in humans with a frequency of 1–4 hertz which can be recorded with an electroencephalogram[1] (EEG) and is usually associated with slow-wave sleep (SWS).

Delta wave activity occurs most frequently during stage N3 slow-wave sleep, accounting for 20% or more of the EEG record during this stage.[2] These waves are believed to originate in the thalamus in coordination with the reticular formation.[3]
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Throughout the lifespan
* 2 Disorders
* 3 See also
* 4 References

[edit] Throughout the lifespan

Analysis of the waking EEG of a newborn infant indicates that delta wave activity is predominant in that age, and still appears in a waking EEG of five-year-olds.[4] Delta wave activity during slow-wave sleep declines during adolescence, with a drop of around 25% reported between the ages of 11 and 14 years.[5]
[edit] Disorders

High delta wave activity during the waking state is not common in healthy adults.[citation needed] However, multiple studies have indicated the presence of increased delta activity in adults during states of intoxication or delirium and in those diagnosed with dementia or schizophrenia.[6]
[edit] See also

* Alpha wave
* Beta wave
* Gamma wave
* Holonomic brain theory
* Sensorimotor rhythm
* Theta wave
* Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome