Increased Alpha-Rhythm Dynamic Range Promotes Recovery from Visuospatial Neglect: A Neurofeedback Study

Neural Plast. 2017:2017:7407241. doi: 10.1155/2017/7407241. Epub 2017 Apr 25.

Abstract

Despite recent attempts to use electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback (NFB) as a tool for rehabilitation of motor stroke, its potential for improving neurological impairments of attention-such as visuospatial neglect-remains underexplored. It is also unclear to what extent changes in cortical oscillations contribute to the pathophysiology of neglect, or its recovery. Utilizing EEG-NFB, we sought to causally manipulate alpha oscillations in 5 right-hemisphere stroke patients in order to explore their role in visuospatial neglect. Patients trained to reduce alpha oscillations from their right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) for 20 minutes daily, over 6 days. Patients demonstrated successful NFB learning between training sessions, denoted by improved regulation of alpha oscillations from rPPC. We observed a significant negative correlation between visuospatial search deficits (i.e., cancellation test) and reestablishment of spontaneous alpha-rhythm dynamic range (i.e., its amplitude variability). Our findings support the use of NFB as a tool for investigating neuroplastic recovery after stroke and suggest reinstatement of intact parietal alpha oscillations as a promising target for reversing attentional deficits. Specifically, we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of EEG-NFB in neglect patients and provide evidence that targeting alpha amplitude variability might constitute a valuable marker for clinical symptoms and self-regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alpha Rhythm*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurofeedback / methods*
  • Parietal Lobe / physiopathology*
  • Perceptual Disorders / etiology
  • Perceptual Disorders / therapy*
  • Recovery of Function*
  • Space Perception / physiology
  • Stroke / complications*
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Stroke / psychology
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*
  • Visual Perception / physiology