Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
-
(1) To examine the validity of comparing the phase of broad-band signals. (2) To measure phase synchrony over the whole head, at a variety of frequencies. ⋯ If long-range phase synchrony really is a hallmark of consciousness, it should be present most of the time the subject is conscious. Our results confirm this prediction, and suggest that consciousness may involve not only gamma frequencies, but the whole range from theta to epsilon. The mechanism of synchrony establishment at the scalp as shown by the present method is relatively slow and thus more likely to involve chemical synapses than gap junctions, electric fields or quantum non-locality.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Selective modulation of intracortical inhibition by low-intensity Theta Burst Stimulation.
Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) is a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm which has effects on both excitatory and inhibitory intracortical pathways when applied at an intensity of 80% of active motor threshold. As intracortical inhibitory pathways have a lower threshold for activation than excitatory pathways, we sought to determine whether it was possible to selectively target cortical inhibitory circuitry by reducing the intensity of TBS to 70% of active motor threshold. ⋯ These findings have important implications for the treatment of neurological disorders where abnormal levels of intracortical inhibition are present, such as Parkinson's disease and focal hand dystonia and requires further investigation.
-
High power of pre-stimulus cortical alpha rhythms (about 8-12 Hz) underlies conscious perception in normal subjects. Here we tested the hypothesis that these rhythms are abnormal in persistent vegetative state (PVS) patients, who are awake but not aware of self and environment. ⋯ Cortical sources of resting alpha rhythms might predict recovery in PVS patients.
-
To investigate the accuracy and reliability of 3D CT/MRI co-registration technique for the localization of implanted subdural electrodes in the routine epilepsy presurgical evaluation, in so doing assess its usefulness in planning the tailored resection of epileptic focus. ⋯ The combination of 3D CT/MRI co-registration and intra-operative digital photography techniques provides a practical and effective algorithm for the localization and validation of implanted subdural electrodes.
-
Herein, we report use of electromyography (EMG) to anticipate corticospinal conduction block, as defined by muscle-derived transcranial electrical motor evoked potential (TCE MEP) loss, during extradural spinal cord decompression. ⋯ Although SED occurrence does not provide specific information for lesions of the fast neurons of the corticospinal tract, SED surveillance during decompression at spinal cord level can supplement TCE MEP recording.