Quantitative EEG Changes Following Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Post Stroke (EEG-rTMS)

Quantitative EEG (qEEG) has been used as an effective tool in the diagnosis and prognosis of brain-related diseases. In the literature, a variety of qEEG parameters have been proven informative in the prognosis of stroke. In addition, it has been demonstrated that changes in certain qEEG parameters during traditional/task-specific rehabilitation approaches are correlated with clinical outcomes of functional motor recovery. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as a non-invasive and therapeutic treatment used to accelerate and enhance the recovery process of motor function in stroke patients. Many studies have reported that inhibiting contralesional rTMS may have positive effects in stroke patients with severe upper extremity motor impairment. In this context, the aim of the proposed study is to investigate whether there is a correlation between the change in qEEG parameters and the improvement of motor functions associated with rTMS treatment and to provide an electrophysiological prognostic biomarker of inhibiting contralesional rTMS for stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:Older than age of 18 years.Presence of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by MRI.Having a stroke for the first time.Patients who agreed to participate by signing the informed consent form.Exclusion Criteria:Presence of a clinical condition (metallic implant, cardiac or brain pace, claustrophobia, head trauma, cranial operation history) that may constitute a contraindication to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation intervention.Presence of malignancy or systemic rheumatic diseasePregnancy or breastfeedingNon-stroke disease or lesion affecting the sensorimotor systemAlcohol or drug addictionPresence of pump/shuntPresence of severe cognitive impairmentPresence of >3 spasticity in the upper extremity defined according to the Modified Ashworth ScaleHistory of psychiatric illness such as major depression/personality disordersHistory of epilepsy or taking medication due to epilepsyDiagnosed with dementiaReceived rTMS intervention before