The Electroencephalogram During Hypnotic Age Regression (to Infancy) in Epileptic Patients

Introduction  This study of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in hypnotic age regression was suggested by a paper published by Kupper in 1945.¹³ Briefly, Kupper found that in hypnotic age regression the EEG of an epileptic patient changed from an abnormal to a normal record when the patient was regressed to a period in his life antedating the development of epilepsy. This finding interested us, for it suggests that some changes occur in hypnotic age regession that are not directly elicited by suggestion, unlike other changes that result from direct suggestion. Furthermore, it seemed plausible that such changes in the EEG might be easily quantitated.A brief review of the pertinent case reported by Kupper follows.The patient was a 24-year-old merchant seaman with a history of grand mal seizures since the age of 18. Diagnostic studies were within normal limits with the exception of an abnormal EEG, which showed "diffuse corticla