P.113 Down Syndrome: robust neurophysiological perspectives

Abstract

Background: Down Syndrome (DS) has a mosaicism of presentations, but a number of common features. Cerebral evoked potentials (somatosensory, visual and auditory) can be higher in amplitude in DS. The aim of this study is to explore the value of the neurophysiological amplitude of three different modalities in DS individuals undergoing spinal surgery, or epilepsy evaluation. Methods: Standard procedure of EEG evaluation was conducted. We routinely monitor somatosensory (SSEP) and motor evoked potentials (MEP), using peripheral nerves stimulation and transcranial electrical stimulation during surgery. We report findings from 14 DS individuals age-matched to 14 individuals with idiopathic scoliosis Results: The amplitude of the SSEP is significantly higher in DS individuals than in age-matched controls using the same parameters. SSEP;10.2±2.5µV vs 2.4±2.3µV (p<0.05, paired t-test). The threshold for eliciting MEPs was also significantly lower in DS in comparison to controls, 175±20V vs 629±100V, (p<0.05, paired t-test). Interictal EEG showed high amplitude spike and waves, and greater intracortical coherence in DS with epilepsy than non-DS patients Conclusions: Robust neurophysiological findings showed high amplitude sensory evoked potentials, low threshold motor evoked potentials, and high amplitude spikes and wave, all reflect a common process of increased neuronal synchronicity and oscillatory behaviour in Down Syndrome.