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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.01.09.698590

Emergent critical oscillations in motor cortex of Parkinson's patients

Ly, C.·Sooter, J. S.·Barreiro, A.·Shew, W.
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Abstract

The dynamical state of cortical neural activity constrains the complexity of functions it can perform. A marginally stable dynamical state - called criticality - is thought to be beneficial for brain functions that require multiple time scales, broad dynamic range, and large information storage and transmission. A growing body of evidence suggests that criticality is a feature of healthy brain dynamics, but breaks down in certain brain disorders. Here we ask whether Parkinsons disease incurs deviation from criticality compared to healthy controls. We analyze human resting state EEG activity in primary motor cortex. Parkinsons patients exhibit prominent oscillatory brain activity in multiple frequency bands (low delta and high theta) that is not present in controls. Surprisingly, we find that these emergent oscillations are close to criticality, i.e., amplitude fluctuations with approximate temporal scale invariance. We compare traditional signatures of criticality and more principled measurements of proximity to criticality using our new approach based on information theory and temporal renormalization group theory. Our new approach and traditional methods agree, demonstrating that critical dynamics are not always associated with healthy states; Parkinsons disease is associated with the emergence of near-critical oscillations in motor cortex. Author SummaryBrain function is thought to be optimal when its activity is near the border of order and chaos -- a state called criticality. This state is thought to help the brain stay flexible and process information efficiently. We investigate whether Parkinsons disease disrupts this balance like in other diseases and pathologies. Using resting EEG brain activity, we found that people with Parkinsons show strong rhythmic signals not seen in healthy brains, and surprisingly these rhythms are also near the critical state. Using both established and new theoretical tools, we show that critical dynamics can accompany disease, suggesting that being closer to criticality is not always a sign of healthy brain function.

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Ly, C., Sooter, J. S., Barreiro, A., Shew, W.. 2026-01-10. Emergent critical oscillations in motor cortex of Parkinson's patients. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.09.698590

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