Using EEG to measure beta waves
shows promise in detecting Parkinson’s disease in a non-invasive way. The
initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease currently relies on a neurologist’s
assessment of patients performing a series of body-movement tasks. Such
subjective testing, however, can lead to misdiagnosis. In the new analysis of
scalp EEG data, previously collected at the University of California San Diego
from 15 Parkinson’s patients and 16 healthy control participants, researchers focused on the original unfiltered beta waves
to look for specific angles and full shape of the oscillations.
Researchers noticed that people
with Parkinson’s disease appear to have sharp brain waves, suggesting a new
look was warranted. When the peak is sharper at the top of the wave than in the
trough, or low part of the oscillation, it is indicative of patients who are
off their medications. In a large follow-up study, researchers hope to combine
scalp EEG measurements with detailed medical histories and self-reports of how
patients are feeling on each day of testing. Eventually, it is hoped the
approach could help detect changes in the disease in individuals over time. Current
treatment involves surgery to permanently implant an electric stimulator or a
pharmacological approach.
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