Brain Connectivity Measured With High-density Electroencephalography

Brain Connectivity Measured With High-density Electroencephalography: a Novel Neurodiagnostic Tool for Stroke

Emerging scientific results show that disrupted functional connectivity in stroke can explain behavioral impairments and predict their recovery over time. However, no technique is yet available for widespread use in clinics to examine how neural synchronization in brain networks is altered in stroke patients. This is crucial to determine favorable prognostic factors and to define individualized rehabilitation protocols. Importantly, the investigators have successfully used high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) in healthy individuals to measure neural synchronization in brain networks. In this project, the investigators will develop methods and tools based on hdEEG for assessing functional connectivity in stroke patients. These methods and tools will be employed to examine how neural changes occurring after brain lesions explain behavioral impairments. The project will open the way for the use of hdEEG at the patient's bedside, as a neurodiagnostic tool for stroke as well as other brain disorders.

In this study 125 stroke patients and 45 healthy participants will be recruited at the Institute for Research and Healthcare with a Scientific Character (IRCCS) San Camillo hospital.

Inclusion Criteria (patients):

• right or left hemisphere damage
• unilateral stroke
• compliance with magnetic resonance imaging (e.g., no claustrophobia)

Inclusion Criteria (healthy participants):

• compliance with magnetic resonance imaging (e.g., no claustrophobia)

Exclusion Criteria (both patients and healthy participants):

• no comorbidities with psychiatric disorders