Abstract
In this paper, we propose the application of time-domain near-infrared spectroscopy to the assessment of oscillations in cerebral hemodynamics. These oscillations were observed in the statistical moments of the distributions of time of flight of photons (DTOFs) measured on the head. We analyzed the zeroth and second centralized moments of DTOFs (total number of photons and variance) to obtain their spectra to provide parameters for the frequency components of microcirculation, which differ between the extracerebral and intracerebral layers of the head. Analysis of these moments revealed statistically significant differences between a control group of healthy subjects and a group of patients with severe neurovascular disorders, which is a promising result for the assessment of cerebral microcirculation and cerebral autoregulation mechanisms.
Highlights
Rapid development of optical brain monitoring methods has occurred over the past two decades [1,2,3,4]
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a method based on the estimation of changes in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations, has been used in numerous studies as an effective tool for oxygenation assessment during neurophysiological experiments [5]
This technique has been applied in many studies on patients with severe neurological conditions caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) [9,10,11] or strokes [12,13]
Summary
Rapid development of optical brain monitoring methods has occurred over the past two decades [1,2,3,4]. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a method based on the estimation of changes in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations, has been used in numerous studies as an effective tool for oxygenation assessment during neurophysiological experiments [5]. Based on the noninvasive nature of NIRS, it is used for monitoring infants [6,7,8] or for longterm measurements on adult heads. This technique has been applied in many studies on patients with severe neurological conditions caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) [9,10,11] or strokes [12,13]. Based on analysis of the kinetics of the inflow and outflow of the dye in the head structures, it has been reported that patients with severe neurovascular disorders are examined safely [15,16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call