Exploratory Study on the Clinical use of EEG for the People with Chronic Stroke and Their Correlation with the Neuropsychological Outcome

Abstract

Objective. To measure the EEG signals of the people with chronic stroke in eyes-closed and eyes-open condition and study their relationship with the cognitive function and mental wellbeing. Methods. The investigators would conduct cognitive and mental wellbeing tests on recruited subjects. Their EEG signal was acquired by the 16-channel EEG system. The absolute power under different frequency bands and EEG indices (delta alpha ratio and pairwise derived brain symmetry index) in different eye conditions was calculated. Pearson's correlation was conducted to investigate the association between the clinical tests and the EEG index. Results. 32 subjects were recruited for the study. There was a significant correlation between the pairwise derived brain symmetry index (pdBSI) in eyes-open condition with the Stroop Test (p = .002), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-3 s (p = .008)/2 s (p = .002) and WHO-5 well-being scale (p = .023). Conclusions. There is a significant correlation between the brain symmetry index and the cognitive and wellbeing assessment. Brain symmetry index over the delta frequency has been found to be the most useful parameter relating to the clinical score. Significance: It is recommended to use EEG as an adjunctive neuropsychological assessment in clinics for people with chronic stroke, especially for clients who could not undertake conventional assessments (eg aphasia, attention problem). Highlights: There is a significant correlation between the EEG index and the clinical neuropsychological assessment Pairwise Derived Brain Symmetry index in delta frequency range correlated with most of the neuropsychological outcome. It is feasible for us to adopt EEG as an adjunctive assessment in clinical settings.