Neuro-Oscillatory Phase Alignment Drives Speeded Multisensory Response Times: An Electro-Corticographic Investigation

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4527-14.2015
• Publication Date: 2015-06-03T17:15:30Z
• Authors: Manuel R. Mercier; Sophie Molholm; Ian C. Fiebelkorn; John S. Butler; Theodore H. Schwartz; John J. Foxe
• Keywords: Phase response curve

Even simple tasks rely on information exchange between functionally distinct and often relatively distant neuronal ensembles. Considerable work indicates oscillatory synchronization through phase alignment is a major agent of inter-regional communication. In the brain, different phases correspond to low- high-excitability states. Optimally aligned (or states) promote Studies have also shown that sensory stimulation can modulate or reset ongoing cortical oscillations. For example, auditory stimuli oscillations in visual cortex, influencing processing simultaneous stimulus. Such cross-regional represents candidate mechanism for aligning Here, we explored role local driving well established behavioral correlate multisensory integration: redundant target effect (RTE), which refers fact responses inputs are substantially faster than unisensory stimuli. speeded detection task, human epileptic patients ( N = 3) responded (auditory visual) (audiovisual) with button press, while electrocorticography was recorded over motor regions. Visual significantly modulated activity via delta theta bands. During period subsequent response, transient regions observed. Phase synchrony stimulation. This sensorimotor correlated behavior such stronger associated responses, linking commonly observed RTE across network.