Evolution of EEG Motor Rhythms after Spinal Cord Injury: A Longitudinal Study

PLoS ONE, 2015 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131759 · Published: July 15, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Neuroplasticity

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) not only impairs motor and sensory functions but also leads to brain reorganization. This study examines how brain activity changes in SCI patients during the first months after injury, focusing on motor-related brain activity. Eighteen subacute SCI patients participated in bi-weekly EEG recordings to analyze event-related desynchronization (ERD) over the motor cortex during motor attempts and imagery of paralyzed hands. The study found that changes in ERD after SCI are linked to the clinical progression of patients in the initial months post-injury, suggesting a connection between brain activity and recovery.

Study Duration

At least 2 months

Participants

18 subacute SCI patients

Evidence Level

Longitudinal study

Key Findings

1
α and β ERD evolution after SCI is negatively correlated with the clinical progression of the patients during the first months after the injury.
2
Patients with persisting paralysis showed a faster reduction in α and β ERD during motor attempts, reflecting decreased cortical activation.
3
Patients who improved clinically showed an increase in cortical activation in the α frequency band during motor attempts.

Research Summary

This longitudinal study investigates the evolution of motor-related brain activity in subacute SCI patients using EEG, focusing on event-related desynchronization (ERD) during motor attempts and imagery. The key finding is a negative correlation between ERD changes and clinical progression in the first months after SCI, indicating that decreasing ERD is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The study provides insights into brain transformation after SCI, potentially leading to new rehabilitation strategies and a better understanding of neuroplasticity mechanisms involved in motor restoration.

Practical Implications

Prognostic Value

Quantifying brain changes post-SCI can potentially predict clinical outcomes for patients.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Understanding brain reorganization can inform the design of new and personalized rehabilitation approaches.

BMI Applications

The study highlights the need for brain-machine interfaces to adapt to the changing brain rhythms of SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Most of the patients were under neuroactive medication that can have some influence on brain activity.
2
there was no way to quantitatively assess the correct performance.
3
Clinical improvement is probably related to changes at brain and spinal levels, whereas ERD evaluate more specifically changes that happens at brain level.

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