A 9-Year-Old Boy with Multifocal Encephalomalacia: EEG Loreta and Lifespan Database, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Neuropsychological Agreement

Abstract

The methods of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and LORETA current source density comparisons to the Lifespan database with Neuroguide (Applied Neuroscience Laboratories) permit a comparison of the estimated intracerebral current density distribution with LORETA. This study sought to determine the agreement between EEG LORETA, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Neuropsychological data for a 9-year-old boy with possible cortical damage. EEG LORETA data were collected prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Historical and current testing indicated aphasic symptoms and central auditory processing disorder. Significant impairments in verbal fluency, visual-spatial, and attentional and working memory processes are indicated, as well as profound difficulties with mathematics. MRI data indicate multifocal Encephalomalacia in bilateral prefrontal cortex, parietal lobes more pronounced in the left hemisphere, and significant volume reduction in the corpus callosum. EEG LORETA shows current source density deficits in posterior cingulate, parietal, and frontal regions in nearly all frequencies in the left hemisphere, with frontal/temporal deficits in regions shown to be involved in language processes. EEG LORETA, MRI, and Neuropsychological data show agreement in the current case study. The EEG changes associated with functional reorganization still involve much uncertainty. However, comparisons to the Lifespan database may be a valid tool for evaluating patient symptoms and correlating them with neural processes. This is an area of interest to our laboratory, and we will continue to monitor this patient over time. Notable increases in current source density may be indicative of large-scale cerebral reorganization in this patient.