Dynamic electrophysiological changes in abnormal brain cavities post-ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Stroke is a global health challenge and the leading cause of long-term disability. While survival rates have improved, effective treatments for post-stroke impairments remain lacking. A novel approach to address this unmet need involves targeting the cavities that develop after ischemic events, referred to as abnormal brain cavities (ABCs), for post-stroke neuromodulation. Despite their potential significance, ABCs have not been systematically studied, creating a gap in understanding their role in recovery and therapeutic strategies. This study represents the first investigation into the electrophysiological properties of ABC walls. Methods: To explore this, we developed an ABC model in anesthesized rats (male, Results: Our findings revealed significant effects of both location and condition on oscillatory power across different frequency bands. We observed significant decreases in power across different conditions ( Discussion: This near-normal single-unit activity suggests that the ABC wall has the potential to serve as an effective interface for neuromodulation. Additionally, the significant effects of location on our outcome measures indicates that, location-specific electrophysiologic signatures exist within the ABC wall, which could guide targeted stimulation strategies. Overall, this study underscores the need for further research into stimulation techniques targeting ABCs to facilitate recovery in stroke patients, as the ABC wall presents a promising opportunity for direct access to lesioned brain areas.