Dyslexia: Regional differences in brain electrical activity by topographic mapping

Electroencephalographic (EEG) and evoked potential data were recorded during behavioral testing from 8 dyslexic and 10 normal boys aged 9 to 11 years. Topographic mapping of their brain electrical activity revealed four discrete regions of difference between the two groups involving both hemispheres, left more than right. Aberrant dyslexic physiology was not restricted to a single locus but was found in much of the cortical region ordinarily involved in reading and speech. Prominent group differences were observed in the bifrontal area in addition to the more expected left temporal and left posterior quadrant regions. Although activation tests produced more prominent group difference, dyslexics differed from normal subjects at rest as well. EEG alpha activity was increased for the dyslexics, suggesting relative cortical inactivity in that group.