What is the Bereitschaftspotential?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) are electroencephalographic (EEG) signals preceding voluntary movement.
• The readiness potential (BP) is a key component of MRCPs, with distinct early and late phases.
• Understanding the generator mechanisms and functional significance of BP components is crucial for neuroscience research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the temporospatial characteristics of the early and late phases of the readiness potential (BP).
• To explore the differential influence of movement complexity on BP components.
• To investigate the utility of BP in understanding movement disorders and psychogenic movement disorders.

Main Methods:

• Source localization techniques in normal subjects.
• Epicortical recordings in epilepsy patients.
• Analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) data during self-initiated movements.

Main Results:

• Early BP originates in the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and SMA proper, with later involvement of the lateral premotor cortex.
• Late BP occurs in the contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) and lateral premotor cortex, showing precise somatotopy.
• Movement complexity specifically enhances the late BP, while event-related desynchronization (ERD) shows different patterns.
• BP characteristics differ between voluntary and organic involuntary movements, aiding in diagnosing psychogenic movement disorders.

Conclusions:

• The early BP may reflect subconscious motor readiness, while the late BP's role in conscious preparation requires further investigation.
• BP analysis provides insights into the pathophysiology of movement disorders.
• BP is a valuable tool for differentiating voluntary motor control from involuntary movements in clinical settings.