Exploring Cortical Plasticity and Oscillatory Brain Dynamics via Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Resting-State Electroencephalogram
- Author:
Nor Azila Noh
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
brain stimulation;
long-term potentiation (LTP);
long-term depression (LTD);
oscillations;
plasticity
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2016;23(4):5-16
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological technique
that is able to modulate cortical activity beyond the stimulation period. The residual aftereffects are
akin to the plasticity mechanism of the brain and suggest the potential use of TMS for therapy. For
years, TMS has been shown to transiently improve symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders, but the
underlying neural correlates remain elusive. Recently, there is evidence that altered connectivity
of brain network dynamics is the mechanism underlying symptoms of various neuropsychiatric
illnesses. By combining TMS and electroencephalography (EEG), the functional connectivity
patterns among brain regions, and the causal link between function or behaviour and a specific
brain region can be determined. Nonetheless, the brain network connectivity are highly complex and
involve the dynamics interplay among multitude of brain regions. In this review article, we present
previous TMS-EEG co-registration studies, which explore the functional connectivity patterns of
human cerebral cortex. We argue the possibilities of neural correlates of long-term potentiation/
depression (LTP-/LTD)-like mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that drive the TMS aftereffects as
shown by the dissociation between EEG and motor evoked potentials (MEP) cortical output. Here,
we also explore alternative explanations that drive the EEG oscillatory modulations post TMS. The
precise knowledge of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying TMS will help characterise
disturbances in oscillatory patterns, and the altered functional connectivity in neuropsychiatric
illnesses.
- Full text:P020160829804704252836.pdf
