Electroencephalographic evolution in a patient with sequelae from severe traumatic brain injury
Keywords:
EEG evolution, delta/alpha index, absolute power, EEG rhythms, neuroplasticityAbstract
Introduction: Cortical electrical oscillations result from potential variations of glioneuronal
assemblies. In patients with sequelae of grey matter lesions, the absolute power (AP) of os-
cillations diminishes, and white matter lesions diminish local and distant modulation. Such
sequelae are represented by modifications in the power spectrum, with low intensity and
disorganization of the different frequencies and, hence, a diminution in passive and dynamic
body posture, as well as in sensorial and cognitive processes. Method: Descriptive, longitudinal
study of five successive EEGs from a patient with a cerebral penetrating firearm injury in the
left hemisphere (LH). We analyzed the EEG evolution along 7.5 months, starting four years
after the trauma. The EEG was recorded with a Nicolet-One, placing the electrodes at the
10/20 distribution, impedance below 10 kΩ. The Fourier transform was applied to bipolar
recordings of longitudinal lateral and parasagittal mountings. Results: In the five recordings,
average AP (AAP) of delta and theta were higher in the LH and remained at higher intensity
than in the right hemisphere (RH). AAP of alpha and beta were higher in the RH and increased
with time, particularly for alpha. The delta/alpha index was higher in the LH than in the RH.
The patient regained his static and dynamic posture and improved in daily activities as well as
in some cognitive processes.
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