Electrophysiological Markers of Middle Cerebral Artery Blood Flow Velocity in Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Aim: to determine electrophysiological markers of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (BFV). Patients and methods: transcranial Doppler registration of middle cerebral artery BFV and direct current (DC) potentials recording from surface of head were performed in 30 healthy volunteers. Analysis of correlation between the BFV and DC potentials was used. Results: significant correlation between BFV and DC potential characteristics was observed. The highest correlation was found between BFV in middle cerebral artery and the difference of DC potentials between central and temporal areas of head (r =0,55; p =0,003). These areas coincide with the location of middle cerebral artery and the correlation observed may be connected with streaming potential generated by the blood flow in middle cerebral artery. If electrode placement did not coincide with blood current, DC potentials and BFV were not correlated. Conclusions: it is assumed that electrical field created BFV in middle cerebral artery may contribute to the generation of DC potentials registered from the head.