1 Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
3 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
4 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
5 Etre Toujours Meilleures Psychology Practice, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(03), 1809-1817
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2025.27.3.3260
Received on 11 August 2025; revised on 24 September 2025; accepted on 27 September 2025
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.
Electroencephalography; Child; EEG norms; Brain development; Central Africa
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TSHIMBAYI MUKUNA Michel, KATABWA KABONGO Joseph, BILONDA MBUYAMBA Eunice, TSHIBANGU MANYONGA Emmanuel, MUTOMBO MALANGU Augustin, KASAMBA ILUNGU Erick, MUYUMBA KIYANA Boston and KOBA BORA Beatrice. Profile in Healthy Congolese Children Aged 6 to 12 Years in Lubumbashi: Toward a Local Reference Standard. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(03), 1809-1817. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.27.3.3260.
Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0