Gamma Entrainment Stimulation for Cognitive Dysfunction After aSAH

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to Explore and verify whether 40Hz audio and binaural beat 40Hz audio can improve the postoperative cognitive dysfunction seen in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study is a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were selected and randomized into intervention group (audio adjuvant group) and control group (conventional treatment group). Patients in the intervention group will receive audio therapy after surgery, and patients in the control group will receive usual care. EEG, fMRI and mRS scores were evaluated after 3 months of follow-up.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a neurological malady that has garnered global public health apprehension due to its severity. Research indicates that cerebral ischemic events subsequent to aSAH treatment are both pervasive and intricate, with their occurrence mechanism and timing categorized into early and late onset. Early cerebral ischemia typically manifests within 1-3 days post-aSAH onset, primarily attributed to factors such as cerebral vasospasm, hemorrhagic cerebral edema, and thrombosis. The severity of these lesions can be alleviated through medical, endovascular, and surgical interventions. Conversely, delayed cerebral ischemia generally arises between 4 days to 2 weeks after surgery, predominantly stemming from cerebral edema, inflammatory reactions, cortical depolarization, and microthrombosis. Managing delayed cerebral ischemia necessitates vigilant patient monitoring and the maintenance of stable cerebral blood flow, achieved by mitigating the impact of cerebral edema and inflammatory responses. Cerebral ischemia induces physiological changes like nerve cell damage, apoptosis, glial cell proliferation, and inflammatory responses, potentially impacting brain function, particularly cognitive function. Consequently, the application of our established TAPS prognostic model effectively identifies individuals at a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction and poor prognosis, facilitating the screening of potential intervention candidates for this study. In recent years, the scientific community has discerned the pivotal role of microglia in preserving the stability of the brain environment. By modulating their activities, the degree of ischemia can be effectively controlled, mitigating subsequent impairments in brain function. This revelation forms the basis for pioneering nonpharmacological treatment strategies. Among these innovative approaches, frequency-specific audio therapy, notably utilizing 40Hz audio and binaural beat audio, has garnered significant attention. 40Hz audio induces gamma waves in the brain, linked to cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and perception. Binaural beat audio, a neuroacoustic phenomenon, involves introducing two sounds with slightly different frequencies to the ears, prompting the brain to create a new EEG frequency. Regarding 40Hz audio, its potential efficacy is closely tied to the induction of gamma waves, associated with heightened focus and information processing. Laboratory studies suggest that playing 40Hz audio stimulates the brain to produce more gamma waves, hinting at its potential to enhance human cognitive function by regulating electrical brain activity. Binaural beat audio operates on a more intricate level. The brain attempts to "synchronize" two audio pieces with slightly different frequencies, generating a new EEG frequency. This neuroacoustic phenomenon induces specific brain activity, potentially enhancing cognitive function. Crucially, whether 40Hz audio or binaural beat audio, their efficacy may hinge on the "neuroplasticity" of the brain, signifying the brain's ability to alter its structure and function in response to sustained external stimulation. This "frequency-following response" induced by audio stimuli may bring about neuroplasticity changes, further enhancing cognitive function. For specific brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease, audio therapy could prove impactful. In Alzheimer's patients, gamma-wave activity in the brain is typically diminished, but preliminary studies indicate that 40Hz audio stimulation may enhance gamma activity, potentially improving memory and attention. Moreover, binaural beat audio may contribute to enhancing mental and physical well-being. Research suggests that it can modify the brain's electrical activity pattern, improving emotional states, reducing anxiety and stress, and enhancing sleep quality. In conclusion, both 40Hz audio and binaural beat audio, as potential non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies, warrant widespread attention from the research community. Although the current study is in its early stages, if audio therapy effectively ameliorates the cognitive dysfunction resulting from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, it could introduce novel possibilities for the rehabilitation of this condition.