Relationship between event-related beta synchronization and afferent inputs: analysis of finger movement and peripheral nerve stimulations.

Objective: We compared beta synchronization associated with voluntary finger movement with beta synchronization produced by sensory stimulation, in order to better understand the relationship between event-related beta synchronization (ERS) and the different afferent inputs.

Methods: Twenty-four subjects performed an index finger extension. They also received three types of electrical stimulation (cutaneous stimulation of the index finger, single and repetitive stimulation of the median nerve).

The place of perceptual analysis of dysarthria in the differential diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration and Parkinson's disease.

Objective: To characterize the dysarthria in patients with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and determine if analysis of speech in isolation helps to distinguish CBD patients from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: 60 subjects were assessed by means of perceptual analysis of speech: 15 patients with CBD, 15 patients with PD and 30 control subjects. A detailed profile was furnished with the help of 33 perceptual items.

[MRI of hippocampal malformations in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy].

Objective: In some patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, recent MRI studies have revealed several morphological features indicative of discrete hippocampal malformation (HM). Its prevalence is unknown and the relationship between the HM and the origin of seizures has never been investigated. Our purpose is to define the MRI findings of this new entity and to determine its incidence in a group of patients and in a control group in order to evaluate its clinical significance.

Changes in oscillatory cortical activity related to a visuomotor task in young and elderly healthy subjects.

Objective: In order to better understand the spatio-temporal interaction of the activated cortical areas when the movement is visuo-guided and to assess the age effect on the spatio-temporal pattern of cortical activity, we have compared a proximo-distal movement with visual-motor control and hand-eye coordination (targeting movement) with a distal and a proximal movement.

Methods: Brain's electrical activity was studied using the analysis of event-related (de)synchronizations (ERD/S) of cortical mu and beta rhythms in 17 subjects, 8 young and 9 elderly subjects.

Results: In both populations, we found an earlier and broader mu and beta ERD during the preparation of the targeting movement compared to distal and proximal movements, principally involving the contralateral parietal region.

The effect on vision of associated treatments in patients taking vigabatrin: carbamazepine versus valproate.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect on visual function of a concomitant antiepileptic drug (AED) in patients treated with vigabatrin (VGB).

Methods: Sixty-four consecutive patients with a history of partial seizures currently treated with VGB with either carbamazepine (CBZ) or valproate (VPA) were examined with automated kinetic perimetry, static perimetry, electrooculogram (EOG), and electroretinogram (ERG). An original device based on kinetic perimetry was developed to quantify the area of perception for each isopter.

Influence of internal globus pallidus stimulation on motor cortex activation pattern in Parkinson's disease.

Objectives: Indications of the functional neurosurgical treatments become more and more numerous, however, few methods were used to study the mechanism of action and some discrepancies came to light. We assessed the influence of internal globus pallidus (GPI) stimulation and L-Dopa on cortical activation during the preparation and execution phases of the movement compared to clinical improvement of Parkinson's disease.

Methods: We recorded the movement-related cortical potential and movement-related desynchronization.