Cortical correlates of the basic and first harmonic frequency of Parkinsonian tremor.

OBJECTIVE

It has been hypothesized that the basic and first harmonic frequency of Parkinsonian tremor are somewhat independent oscillations the biological basis of which remains unclear.

METHODS

We recorded 64-channel EEG in parallel with EMG of the forearm muscles most affected by rest tremor in 21 PD patients. EMG power spectrum, corticomuscular coherence spectra and EEG power spectra for each EEG electrode were calculated. The dynamics of the coherence and relative EMG and EEG power at the basic (tremor) frequency were calculated by a sliding, overlapping window analysis. Corticomuscular delays and direction of interaction were analysed by the maximizing coherence method for narrow band signals.

RESULTS

The contralateral EEG electrodes with maximal coherence were different for the basic and first harmonic frequency. The dynamical coherence curves showed non-parallel time courses for the two frequencies. The mean EEG-EMG and EMG-EEG delays were all around 15-20ms but significantly longer for the first harmonic than for the basic frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate different cortical representations and corticomuscular interaction of the basic and first harmonic frequencies of Parkinsonian tremor.

SIGNIFICANCE

Separate central generators seem to contribute to the tremor via different pathways. Further studies on this complex tremor network are warranted.