Modulation of Brain Waves in Spinal Cord Injury Patients With Pain: Cross-Sectional Analysis

Objective: This study aimed to describe the encephalographic electrical rhythm pattern of the Alpha wave in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury in the thoracic spine. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted from January to March 2022. A total of 20 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury were included in the study and divided into two groups, with pain symptoms and without pain symptoms. Both groups were submitted for evaluation for population characterization, identification of the presence of pain and the possible presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization and quantitative electroencephalographic examination. Results: Comparing them, it was possible to observe a reduction of 38.7% (2.69µV; 95%CI 1.28 to 4.09) in the Alpha 2 wave (10-12 Hz) in the group with pain symptoms. This alteration was identified in the parietal lobe, mainly in PZ. Conclusion: We observed a selective reduction of Alpha 2 waves, mainly in the parietal region (PZ), in spinal cord injury patients with pain compared to spinal cord injury patients without pain. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies.