Profile in Healthy Congolese Children Aged 6 to 12 Years in Lubumbashi: Toward a Local Reference Standard
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Electroencephalography (EEG) is a crucial tool for assessing brain development in children. However, the lack of normative EEG data in Sub-Saharan Africa limits its clinical interpretation. This study aims to describe the baseline EEG profile in healthy Congolese children aged 6 to 12 years in Lubumbashi. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 416 healthy schoolchildren. Resting-state EEGs were recorded using international standards, including hyperventilation and photic stimulation. Parameters analyzed included alpha frequency, amplitude, symmetry, regularity, and eye-opening reactivity. Data were analyzed using Jamovi. Results: The mean alpha frequency was 9.2 Hz, with a significant age-related increase (p < 0.001). EEG tracings were symmetric in 97.6% of children, regular in 91.3%, and reactive to eye-opening in 96.2%. No epileptiform activity was recorded. Non-pathological associated rhythms (mu, theta) were observed in 40–50% of cases. Conclusion: The EEG characteristics observed in these healthy children are broadly comparable to international norms, with some context-specific variations. These findings establish a local EEG reference useful for clinical practice and neurodevelopmental research in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Authors: Michel, TSHIMBAYI MUKUNA, Joseph, KATABWA KABONGO, Eunice, BILONDA MBUYAMBA, Emmanuel, TSHIBANGU MANYONGA, Augustin, MUTOMBO MALANGU, Erick, KASAMBA ILUNGU, Boston, MUYUMBA KIYANA, Beatrice, KOBA BORA
Institution: University of Lubumbashi
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7108203415
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