Effect of compression of spinal cord on brain rhythms.

Electroencephalographic changes were studied in anaesthetised rats, subjecting them to the mechanical compression of spinal cord. The EEG waves that were studied-Alpha, Theta, and Delta. The changes in these waves and shift from one pattern to another after the compression of the spinal cord at the Lumbar level. These waves were subjected Fourier analysis. The results show remarkable changes in wave patterns and a shift in the dominating wave pattern. With 50% compression the EEG showed a slight increase in the amplitude in all three wave forms-- with Delta wave pattern being more dominant. At 100% compression there is a marked decrease in the Delta amplitude compared to normal. We tried to observe the changes in activity of the brain--the effects of spinal lesion and its relationship with tonic activity changes in EEG.