Functional Coupling of Cortico-Cortical and Cortico-Muscular Connections During Motor Movements: An Electrocorticographic Study of Ipsilateral Motor Control

Study Summary

This study examines the relationship between a cerebral hemisphere and control of muscles on the same side of the body (ipsilateral control). One good way to study this relationship is to record electroencephalogram (EEG) activity directly from the cortical surface. Because patients with epilepsy who are surgical candidates are already undergoing monitoring with subdural and/or depth electrodes, they present an opportunity to study ipsilateral control. Studying the electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity associated with simple voluntary movement in such patients would not disturb ongoing monitoring of nearby areas of the brain, nor would it endanger the patients. Ten patients, who may be children or adults, will be recruited for this study. Brain activity will be measured while they move the corner of their mouth and their fingers, wrists, arms, and feet. The baseline measurements will be done with scalp electrodes. Once subdural electrodes have been placed, a second set of measurements will be done. Surface EMG electrodes will be placed on the muscles whose movements are being tested. The tests will be done on no more than 3 separate days, in sessions no longer than 2 hours, for each patient.