Resting-state EEG spectral power alterations following traumatic brain injury: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and injury-related moderators.
Mark C Nwakamma, Emma M Tinney, Brooke M Ingemi et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined resting-state EEG spectral power after traumatic brain injury (TBI), including whether clinical and injury-related factors moderated findings. The review included 24 studies with 1,236 participants; 14 studies contributed 39 effect sizes to the meta-analysis. Compared with controls, TBI was associated with increased theta power (g = 0.50, p = 0.03). Slow-wave increases and fast-wave suppression appeared more consistent in general TBI than in sport-related concussion, but substantial heterogeneity and publication bias warrant caution.
Key findings
- TBI was associated with increased theta power relative to controls (g = 0.50, p = 0.03).
- General TBI showed more consistent slow-wave increases and fast-wave suppression than sport-related concussion.
- TBI etiology and sex moderated theta effects (p = 0.03, each), but neither remained significant after false discovery rate correction.
Why it matters
Resting-state EEG may help characterize neural oscillation changes after TBI, with theta activity emerging as a measurable group-level difference. However, variation across studies and evidence of publication bias limit confidence in a single spectral profile. More standardized measurement and analysis are needed before these findings can support robust mechanistic interpretation.
What to keep in mind
The meta-analysis showed substantial heterogeneity and publication bias. Moderator findings for etiology and sex did not remain significant after false discovery rate correction.