Neurophysiological evidence of cortical reorganization before and after cochlear implantation in children with dual sensory loss
Keywords:
dual sensory loss, neuroplasticity, cochlear implants, evoked potentials, electroencephalogramAbstract
Introduction: Neuroplasticity studies show that neural networks, such as hearing or vision change in the absence of sensory input, however, little is known about what happens when both sensory modalities are impaired.
Objetive: To assess the cortical reorganization pre and postcochlear implantation in children with dual sensory loss.
Methods: Experimental, longitudinal and prospective study of children with dual sensory loss with two control groups (healthy and deaf children), from January 2005 to December 2011. The neurophysiological evaluation includes somatosensory evoked potentials (N-20), cortical auditory (P1 and P300) and electroencephalographic coherence. It is determined the correlation between neurophysiological findings and clinical-audiological variables.
Results: It is offered evidence of cortical reorganization in children with dual sensory loss for the first time produced by a study with different types of neurophysiological tests. The extensive activation of somatosensory potential in parieto-temporo-occipital left regions reverts after auditory habilitation with a cochlear implant, unless there are associated diseases, in which case N-20 expands further. Other neurophysiological measures: P1, P300 and electroencephalographic coherence, together with somatosensory potential, show how much dual sensory loss impacts cortical activity. Children with dual sensory loss benefit from prolonged use of the implant, greater in children implanted under seven years of age without cortical reorganization before receiving the implant. The neuroplastic changes seem to be an expression of the importance of somesthetic information in children with dual sensory loss. Evidence of cortical reorganization finds immediate application by contributing to the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and follow up of children who attend the Cuban Program of Cochlear Implants.
Conclusions: Non-traditional neurophysiological measures in the audiological clinic, such as somatosensory potentials, P300, P1 and electroencephalographic coherence, are useful for evaluating neuroplastic changes in children with dual sensory loss, where their understanding supports the need to reduce the age of implantation.Downloads
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