%0 Journal Article
%T A neural signature for brain compensation in stroke with EEG and TMS: Insights from the DEFINE cohort study.
%A Lacerda GJ
%A Pacheco-Barrios K
%A Barbosa SP
%A Marques LM
%A Battistella L
%A Fregni F
%J Neurophysiol Clin
%V 54
%N 5
%D 2024 Jul 5
%M 38970865
%F 3.1
%R 10.1016/j.neucli.2024.102985
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study aimed to explore the relationships between potential neurophysiological biomarkers and upper limb motor function recovery in stroke patients, specifically focusing on combining two neurophysiological markers: electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This cross-sectional study analyzed neurophysiological, clinical, and demographical data from 102 stroke patients from the DEFINE cohort. We searched for correlations of EEG and TMS measurements combined to build a prediction model for upper limb motor functionality, assessed by five outcomes, across five assessments: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Handgrip Strength Test (HST), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and Pinch Strength Test (PST).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Our multivariate models agreed on a specific neural signature: higher EEG Theta/Alpha ratio in the frontal region of the lesioned hemisphere is associated with poorer motor outcomes, while increased MEP amplitude in the non-lesioned hemisphere correlates with improved motor function. These relationships are held across all five motor assessments, suggesting the potential of these neurophysiological measures as recovery biomarkers.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Our findings indicate a potential neural signature of brain compensation in which lower frequencies of EEG power are increased in the lesioned hemisphere, and lower corticospinal excitability is also increased in the non-lesioned hemisphere. We discuss the meaning of these findings in the context of motor recovery in stroke.