The Neural Code of Auditory Phantom Perception

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3711-06.2007
• Publication Date: 2007-02-07T23:15:04Z
• Authors: Nathan Weisz; Simona Müller; Winfried Schlee; Katalin Dohrmann; Thomas Hartmann; Thomas Elbert
• Keywords: Magnetoencephalography; Auditory perception; Auditory System

Tinnitus is defined by an auditory perception in the absence of external source sound. This condition provides distinctive possibility extracting neural coding perceptual representation. Previously, we had established that tinnitus characterized enhanced magnetic slow-wave activity (∼4 Hz) perisylvian or putatively regions. Because works linking high-frequency oscillations to conscious sensory and positive symptoms a variety disorders, examined gamma band during brief periods marked enhancement activity. These were extracted from 5 min resting spontaneous magnetoencephalography 26 21 control subjects. Results revealed following, particularly within frequency range 50–60 Hz: (1) Both groups showed significant increases after onset slow waves. (2) Gamma more prominent subjects than controls. (3) Activity at ∼55 Hz determines laterality perception. Based on present previous results, have concluded cochlear damage, similar types deafferentation peripheral input, triggers reorganization central system. produces permanent alterations ongoing oscillatory dynamics higher layers hierarchical stream. The change results reflecting altered corticothalamic corticolimbic interplay. Such facilitates sustains as code phantom perception, this case auditory.