Chapter 1

Electrical Behaviour of Brain

1.1 Introduction
BCI works because of the way our brains function. Our brains are filled with neurons,
individual nerve cells connected to one another by dendrites and axons. Every time we think,
move, feel or remember something, our neurons are at work. That work is carried out by small
electric signals that zip from neuron to neuron as fast as 250 mph. The signals are generated by
differences in electric potential carried by ions on the membrane of each neuron.

Figure 1 Brain parts and its functions

Figure 2 Structure of Neuron

1.1.1 Brain Waves

Our brain is made up of billions of brain cells called neurons, which use electricity to
communicate with each other. The combination of millions of neurons sending signals at once
produces an enormous amount of electrical activity in the brain, which can be detected using
sensitive medical equipment (such as an EEG), measuring electricity levels over areas of the
scalp. The combination of electrical activity of the brain is commonly called a Brainwave
pattern, because of its cyclic, 'wave-like' nature. Our mind regulates its activities by means of
electric waves which are registered in the brain, emitting tiny electrochemical impulses of varied
frequencies, which can be registered by an electroencephalogram.
1.1.2 Types of Brain Waves
These brainwaves are known as:
Beta emitted when we are consciously alert or we feel agitated, tense, afraid, with
frequencies ranging from 13 to 60 pulses per second in the Hertz scale.
Alpha when we are in a state of physical and mental relaxation, although aware of what
is happening around us, its frequency is around 7 to 13 pulses per second.
Theta more or less 4 to 7 pulses, it is a state of somnolence with reduced consciousness.

Delta when there is unconsciousness, deep sleep or catalepsy, emitting between 0.1 and 4
cycles per second.

Figure 3 Brain Waves

Generation of brain waves

Neurons have three basic structural parts which perform different functions.
They are:
1-Cell body
2-Dendrites (can be more than one)
3-Axons (cannot be more than one)
Cell body consists of all the basic organelles that each living human cell possess such as nucleus,
mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes etc. but the electrical activity produced in
cell body of neurons is a function which is unique only to them. The ions present in cytoplasm
undergo diffusion through the cell membrane and ions outside the cell body also diffuse into the
cell body. The type and concentration of ions created by the diffusion creates an electric charge
in the cell body. Then the axon (only transmitter of neuron) carries it to the required part of body
which needs to act accordingly. The receivers or dendrites receive the signals from motor
neurons by the similar method.

Effects of Brain waves

In general, we are accustomed to using the beta brain rhythm. When we diminish the
brain rhythm to alpha, we put ourselves in the ideal condition to learn new information, keep

fact, data, perform elaborate tasks, learn languages and analyses complex situations. Meditation,
relaxation exercises, and activities that enable the sense of calm, also enable this alpha state. Beta
state is an ideal state for synthetic thought and creativity, the proper functions of the right
hemisphere. As it is easy for the hemisphere to create images, to visualize, to make associations,
to deal with drawings, diagrams and emotions, as well as the use of good-humor and pleasure,
learning is better absorbed if these elements are added to the study methods.

1.1.2 CORTICAL PLASTICITY

For years, the brain of an adult human was viewed as a static organ. When you are a
growing, learning child, your brain shapes itself and adapts to new experiences, but eventually it
settles into an unchanging state or so went the prevailing theory.
Beginning in the 1990s, research showed that the brain actually remains flexible even
into old age. This concept is known as cortical plasticity, means that the brain is able to adapt in
amazing ways to new circumstances. Learning something new or partaking in novel activities
forms new connections between neurons and reduces the onset of age-related neurological
problems. If an adult suffers a brain injury, other parts of the brain are able to take over the
functions of the damaged portion. [3]

1.1.3 Why is this important for BCIs?

It means that an adult can learn to operate with a BCI, their brain forming new
connections and adapting to this new use of neurons. In situations where implants are used, it
means that the brain can accommodate this seemingly foreign intrusion and develop new
connections that will treat the implant as a part of the natural brain. [3]