Occurrence of “beta bursts” in human frontal cortex related to psychological parameters

Abstract

1. 1. In a psychiatric patient with electrodes implanted in various brain structures the occurrence of paroxysmal 16–26 c/sec activity — “beta bursts” — in the inferior frontal cortex is described.

2. 2. The beta bursts occurred during “free” behavioural situations but could be provoked also by various stimulus — performance paradigms, such as those of the contingent negative variation (CNV), the binary choice etc.

3. 3. No significant relation was observed between occurrence of beta bursts and wave form of the CNV.

4. 4. A significant increase of beta bursts was observed during situations involving prediction by the patient.

5. 5. A significant small decrease of heart rate was observed during occurrence of beta bursts.

6. 6. The hypothesis is proposed that the beta bursts are related to brief and sudden release of mental tension.