The Comparison of Alpha Power, Peak Alpha Frequency and Frontal Alpha Asymmetry between Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Healthy People

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort and change in the intestinal habits. The aim of this study was the comparison of brain oscillations features between patients with IBS and healthy control, speciallity in alpha frequency band by using rest-electroencephalography (EEG). 11 IBS patients (7 females and 4 male) and 11 healthy (7 females and 4 male), gender and age-matched, were selected and brain oscillations were recorded by a 64-channel EEG at rest in eye-closed condition. Alpha power, peak alpha frequency and frontal alpha asymmetry were calculated and analyzed by fast Fourier transform and independent t test. The results showed that in IBS group, the average of alpha was higher, the peak alpha frequency and frontal alpha asymmetry are lower than healthy control. Our findings indicated that difference between healthy control and IBS group in their cortical functions and generated brain wave oscillation, specifically in alpha frequency bands. Theses results may serve as a biomarker and prognostic tools for IBS treatments.