Evidence of Cortical Activation Alterations of Paraplegics with Pelvic Nerves Stimulation on Resting State: A Case Series

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to sensory-motor loss and multiple organ dysfunction, affecting different dimensions of patient well-being. The treatment consists of rehabilitation to help the individual maximize their function and use assistive devices to control devices such as computers, wheelchairs, or environmental management of systems. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring motor function by inducing spinal and supraspinal neuroplasticity. Recent research point to neuromodulation therapies that improve motor control during motor rehabilitation. Generally, these therapies activate electrical stimulation in peripheral nerves and despite the positive clinical results, the mechanisms of action of this rehabilitation are not fully understood. Possover-LION strategy has shown promising results improving mobility, sexual, urinary, and anorectal functions of individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. Considering that the SCI causes both changes in the peripheral nervous system and in the central nervous system, the objective of this study is to analyze the temporal and spectral patterns of neural activity in patients with SCI compared to subjects without SCI. We present a case series evaluation of the cortical activity analysis in four SCI individuals with the Possover-LION neuromodulator (turned on and off) in comparison to subjects without SCI in a resting state protocol. We present evidences of alterations in EEG rhythms when the neuromodulator is turned on and off.