Single-channel electroencephalography and its associations with anxiety and pain during oral surgery: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the course of anxiety and pain during lower third molar (LTMo) surgery and explore the role of mobile and single-channel electroencephalography under clinical and surgical conditions. METHODS: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), and Interval Scale of Anxiety Response (ISAR) were used. The patient self-rated anxiety (PSA), the pain felt during and after surgery, EEG, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were assessed. RESULTS: The Attention (ATT) and Meditation (MED) algorithms and indicators evaluated in this study showed several associations. ATT showed interactions and an association with STAI-S, pain during surgery, PSA level, HR, and surgical duration. MED showed an interaction and association with DAS, STAI-S, and pain due to anesthesia. Preclinical anxiety parameters may influence clinical perceptions and biological parameters during LTMo surgeries. High STAI-Trait and PSA scores were associated with postoperative pain, whereas high STAI-State scores were associated with more pain during anesthesia and surgery, as well as DAS, which was also associated with patient interference during surgery due to anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that single-channel EEG is promising for evaluating brain responses associated with systemic reactions related to anxiety, surgical stress, and pain during oral surgery.