Resting-state fMRI observation of persistent limb numbness induced with electrical stimulation / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate changes of brain function caused by persistent limb numbness induced with electrical stimulation by using fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) of resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), and to explore relative brain mechanisms. Methods: Totally 21 healthy adults were enrolled. rs-fMRI scans were performed with or without persistent limb numbness induced with electrical stimulation. The subjects were asked to rate the numbness intensity under the same electrical stimulation. fLAFF algorithm was used to analyze rs-fMRI data of brain with and without electrical stimulation. Brain regions with significant differences were acquired, and correlation analysis was performed for fALFF under stimulation and individual numbness intensity scores. Results: Brain regions with fALFF increase under electrical stimulation include medial frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, bilateral inferior temporal gyrus and right temporal pole (all P<0.05, FDR corrected), those with fALFF decrease included precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus and right cerebellum (all P<0.05, FDR corrected). Precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus and left middle temporal gyrus were positively correlated with individual numbness scores (both P<0.05, FDR corrected0, right frontal pole and left inferior temporal gyrus were negatively associated with individual numbness scores (both P<0.05, FDR corrected). Conclusion: Persistent limb numbness involves brain regions related to sensorimotor, emotion, cognition and default mode network. Precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus, temporal lobe and frontal lobe are significantly related to individual numbness.