The pathophysiological role of cortical oscillations in restlessness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The pathophysiological role of cortical oscillations in restlessness
IRAS ID
194301
Contact name
Tiago Teodoro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
“Restlessness disorders” are characterized by an uncomfortable necessity to move around. They include restless legs syndrome and akathisia.
Restless legs syndrome is a relatively common condition. It is characterized by a necessity to move around, associated with unpleasant sensations affecting the legs, which are transiently relieved by movement. Symptoms typically worsen in the night. In akathisia, fidgetiness is more generalized, affecting the whole body, and symptoms are more constant.
The mechanism of restlessness is still poorly understood. Improving this knowledge may allow the development of better treatment strategies.
We want to investigate the role of brain oscillatory activity in restlessness.
Neurons communicate by electro-chemical signals. The summation of electrical potentials from a local neuronal population gives rise to an “oscillatory activity”. This oscillatory activity is though to be important for several brain functions. Therefore, abnormalities in brain oscillations may also be involved in disease.
Indeed, increased amplitude (“strength”) of beta-frequency (12-30 Hz) brain oscillations has been related with the abnormal slowness of movements (“bradykinesia”) that affects patients with Parkinson´s disease. This knowledge is currently being used to improve deep brain stimulation therapies for Parkinson´s disease.
Contrary to Parkinson´s disease, “restlessness disorders” are characterized by excessive movement. In this context, we want to characterize brain oscillations in restlessness disorders such as restless legs syndrome and akathisia.
In order to do this, we will compare disease manifestations, motor function and brain oscillatory activity in patients and healthy subjects, during the performance of simple motor tasks and/or sensory stimulation.
Brain oscillatory activity will be recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). Sensory stimulation will include application of vibration.REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1620
Date of REC Opinion
11 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion