Distinct mechanisms mediate speed-accuracy adjustments in cortico-subthalamic networks

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.21481
• Publication Date: 2017-01-31T00:00:16Z
• Authors: Damian M Herz; Huiling Tan; John-Stuart Brittain; Petra Fischer; Binith Cheeran; Alexander L Green; James FitzGerald; Tipu Z Aziz; Keyoumars Ashkan; Simon Little; Thomas Foltynie; Patricia Limousin; Ludvic Zrinzo; Rafal Bogacz; Peter Brown
• Keywords: Subthalamic Nucleus; Beta Rhythm; BETA (programming language); Local field potential

Optimal decision-making requires balancing fast but error-prone and more accurate slower decisions through adjustments of decision thresholds. Here, we demonstrate two distinct correlates such speed-accuracy by recording subthalamic nucleus (STN) activity electroencephalography in 11 Parkinson’s disease patients during a perceptual task; STN low-frequency oscillatory (LFO) (2–8 Hz), coupled to at prefrontal electrode Fz, beta (13–30 Hz) electrodes C3/C4 close motor cortex. These differed not only their cortical topography spectral characteristics also the relative timing recruitment precise relationship with Increases LFO power preceding response predicted increased thresholds after accuracy instructions, while cue-induced reductions decreased irrespective instructions. findings indicate that neural mechanisms determine whether will be made haste or caution.