Brain network modulation in transradial amputee with finger perception restored through biomimetic intraneural stimulation.

Introduction/aims: The hand is a sophisticated tool which allows humans to interact with the external world mainly via the sense of touch. Previous evidences demonstrated that electrical stimulations of the nerve trunks governing the hand are able to restore touch perception in transradial amputees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurological correlates of restored perception by the evaluation of network characteristics of the brain connectome via EEG recordings in amputees utilizing a fully sensorized bionic hand.
Methods: A 48-year-old female with a left wrist traumatic disarticulation incurred 23 years prior to the study was enrolled for 6 months, during which experimental sessions were randomized. The control group included 12 healthy subjects performing a similar protocol.
Results: Results showed that in both amputee and control group, a trend of SW in delta and beta 1 is recognizable (Delta and Beta 1 opposite spread) selectively in the hemisphere contralateral to the stimulus.
Discussion: Delta increases (less orderly network) while Beta 1 decreases (more ordered network). It could be seen as a sign of higher attention and concentration of subjects to understand the perception and this monolateral modulation is similar to the bilateral attention given to the mathematical task difficulty's increment.
(© 2021. Fondazione Società Italiana di Neurologia.)