Laterality effects in twins

Abstract

The laterality effects in 10 symmetrical EEG derivations in twins (20 MZ and 20 DZ pairs with a mean age of 20.5 years) were examined. The quantitative and qualitative analyses gave the following results: (1) cotwins in the MZ and DZ pairs differed particularly in the intensity of asymmetry for EEG parameters - one was more asymmetrical than the other; (2) among the MZ twins there were no 'mirror' pairs (opposite asymmetry of the EEG), even where opposite-handedness existed. For example, a right-handed twin had an asymmetrical EEG, while the other, a left-hander, had a symmetrical one; (3) the most asymmetrical EEG was in the temporal derivations showing a more active left hemisphere; and, (4) there was no evidence of genetic influence in the intensity of EEG asymmetry.