Patients with Persistent Pain after Breast Cancer Treatment Show Enhanced Alpha Activity in Spontaneous EEG

van den Broeke, Emanuel [UCL] Wilder-Smith, Oliver H. G. [Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University] van Goor, Harry [Department of Surgery, Radboud University] Vissers, Kris C. P. [Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine Radboud University] van Rijn, Clementina M. [Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior Radboud University]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients with persistent pain after breast cancer treatment show an enhanced and slowed dominant alpha activity in their electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded during rest in comparison with patients that also had undergone breast cancer treatment but do not have pain. METHODS: The spontaneous EEG was recorded during rest and before painful stimulation of the calf and analyzed with spectral analysis (Fast Fourier Transformation). Outcome measures, i.e., alpha indices (center of gravity and overall amplitude), were statistically tested between patients with and without persistent pain. RESULTS: In comparison with patients without pain, patients with persistent pain after breast cancer treatment show more alpha activity in their spontaneous EEG observed from parietal-occipital brain regions. CONCLUSION: Persistent pain after breast cancer treatment affects spontaneous brain activity, which might influence cognitive functioning.