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Increase in alpha rhythm frequency after carotid endarterectomy
E M Vriens1, G H Wieneke, A C Van Huffelen
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) improves brain function, reflected by increased alpha rhythm frequency in quantitative EEG (qEEG). Patients with contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion showed greater improvements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a procedure to prevent stroke.
- CEA is also associated with improvements in cerebral circulation and brain function.
- Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) can measure brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if carotid endarterectomy (CEA) improves brain function.
- To assess changes in quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) after CEA.
Main Methods:
- 166 patients with >70% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis underwent qEEG analysis before and 3 months after CEA.
- Changes in alpha band frequency (mean and peak) were analyzed.
- Correlation with neurological symptoms, contralateral ICA status, and surgical factors was examined.
Main Results:
- Alpha rhythm frequency significantly increased in both hemispheres post-CEA.
- Spectral band power decreased below peak alpha frequency and increased above it.
- Patients with contralateral ICA occlusion demonstrated significantly greater improvement compared to those without.
Conclusions:
- Carotid endarterectomy leads to an increase in alpha rhythm frequency.
- Patients with contralateral ICA occlusion experience more significant functional improvements post-CEA.