In biology class or the odd episode of the science show “Galileo”, we have all heard that the human brain consists of two halves – two hemispheres. In common parlance, the left hemisphere is said to be the analytical, logical half and the right hemisphere the emotional, creative half. Today we explain what BrainMaps and brain types are all about.
What is really behind it? What can my brain activity reveal about me?
Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. The truth is that, even according to the current state of research, the detailed workings of the brain are far from fully understood. Broadly speaking, we know that the brain engages different regions to different degrees depending on the task at hand. Overall, however, the brain should be seen as one whole, interconnected and interacting system. Language processing, for example, is largely located in the left hemisphere, but the right hemisphere also plays a not insignificant role in this area.
BrainMaps and brain types
In addition to the structure and composition of the brain, a variety of statements can also be made about the function of the brain. Since neurons communicate via electrical signals, electrical fields are generated during neuronal activity. These electrical fields can even be measured outside the brain, on the surface of the head. The measuring technique is called EEG. For this purpose, individual electrodes are placed on the scalp to record these electrical fields at several positions. A wealth of information can be derived from the neuronal activity in the various brain regions. In clinical practice, this method is used to diagnose and treat functional disorders such as epilepsy, sleep disorders and ADHD.
But this technique has its raison d’être not only in the medical field. After all, if we know which “brain type” we are, i.e. how our brain works and where its strengths and weaknesses lie, we can organise our everyday lives accordingly and make them easier.
In so-called brain mapping, a kind of fingerprint of the brain is created with the help of an EEG measurement. For this, brain activity is recorded under different conditions over several minutes at a total of 19 positions. Our self-developed algorithms convert the raw data into a brain profile that resembles a map. Using these BrainMaps, we can then see how the respective brain works and deduce which conditions are conducive to increased productivity, for example, and which are rather counterproductive.
So far, so good! The next level would probably be mind reading… 😉
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