Tactile event-related potentials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Implications for brain-computer interface. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silvoni, S.; Konicar, L.; Prats-Sedano, M.A.; Garcia-Cossio, E.; Genna, C.; Volpato, C.; Cavinato, M.; Paggiaro, A.; Veser, S.; De Massari, D.; Birbaumer, N.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 127:Issue 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 936
• Page End: 945
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Tactile event-related potentials -- Brain-computer interface (BCI) -- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) -- (Partially) locked-in syndrome -- Single-trial analysis; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.06.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Highlights: Implementation of a tactile event-related paradigm for severely paralyzed people. No event-related potential pathology in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Discussion of implications for brain-computer interfaces in paralyzed patients. Abstract: Objective: We investigated neurophysiological brain responses elicited by a tactile event-related potential paradigm in a sample of ALS patients. Underlying cognitive processes and neurophysiological signatures for brain-computer interface (BCI) are addressed. Methods: We stimulated the palm of the hand in a group of fourteen ALS patients and a control group of ten healthy participants and recorded electroencephalographic signals in eyes-closed condition. Target and non-target brain responses were analyzed and classified offline. Classification errors served as the basis for neurophysiological brain response sub-grouping. Results: A combined behavioral and quantitative neurophysiological analysis of sub-grouped data showed neither significant between-group differences, nor significant correlations between classification performance and the ALS patients' clinical state. Taking sequential effects of stimuli presentation into account, analyses revealed mean classification errors of 19.4% and 24.3% in healthy participants and ALS patients respectively. Conclusions: Neurophysiological correlates of tactile stimuli presentation are not altered by ALS. Tactile event-related potentials can be used to monitor attention level and task performance in ALS and may constitute a viable basis for future BCIs. Significance: Implications for brain-computer interface implementation of the proposed method for patients in critical conditions, such as the late stage of ALS and the (completely) locked-in state, are discussed.