title: Alpha and beta EEG power reflects L-dopa acute administration in parkinsonian patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of an acute L-dopa administration on eye-closed resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of cognitively preserved Parkinsonian patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined 24 right-handed patients diagnosed as uncomplicated probable Parkinson's disease (PD). Each patient underwent Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-part-III evaluation before and 60 min after an oral load of L-dopa-methyl-ester/carbidopa 250/25 mg. Resting condition eyes-closed EEG data were recorded both pre- and post L-dopa load. Absolute EEG power values were calculated at each scalp derivation for Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta frequency bands. UPDRS scores (both global and subscale scores) and EEG data (power values of different frequency bands for each scalp derivation) were submitted to a statistical analysis to compare Pre and Post L-Dopa conditions. Finally, a correlation analysis was carried out between EEG spectral content and UPDRS scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Considering EEG power spectral analysis, no statistically significant differences arose on Delta and Theta bands after L-dopa intake. Conversely, Alpha and Beta rhythms significantly increased on centro-parietal scalp derivations, as a function of L-dopa administration. Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between Beta power increase on centro-parietal areas and UPDRS subscores (Rigidity of arms and Bradykinesia). A minor significant negative correlation was also found between Alpha band increase and resting tremor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assuming that a significant change in EEG power spectrum after L-dopa intake may be related to dopaminergic mechanisms, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that dopaminergic defective networks are implicated in cortical oscillatory abnormalities at rest in non-demented PD patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Jean-Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Melgari
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila L'Aquila, Italy ; Casa di Cura S. Raffaele Cassino, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Curcio
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mastrolilli
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salomone
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trotta
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tombini
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Lazzaro
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: di Biase
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scrascia
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fini
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fabrizio
authors.affiliation: Casa di Cura S. Raffaele Cassino, Italy ; Department of Geriatrics, Neuroscience and Orthopedics, Catholic University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo Maria
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Rossini
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vernieri
keywords: Parkinson’s disease; alpha rhythm; beta rhythm; levodopa; power spectrum analysis; quantitative EEG