Modelling non-invasive brain stimulation in cognitive neuroscience

Miniussi, C., Harris, J. A. and Ruzzoli, M. (2013) Modelling non-invasive brain stimulation in cognitive neuroscience. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(8), pp. 1702-1712. (doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.06.014) (PMID:23827785)

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Abstract

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a method for the study of cognitive function that is quickly gaining popularity. It bypasses the correlative approaches of other imaging techniques, making it possible to establish a causal relationship between cognitive processes and the functioning of specific brain areas. Like lesion studies, NIBS can provide information about where a particular process occurs. However, NIBS offers the opportunity to study brain mechanisms beyond process localisation, providing information about when activity in a given brain region is involved in a cognitive process, and even how it is involved. When using NIBS to explore cognitive processes, it is important to understand not only how NIBS functions but also the functioning of the neural structures themselves. We know that NIBS techniques have the potential to transiently influence behaviour by altering neuronal activity, which may have facilitatory or inhibitory behavioural effects, and these alterations can be used to understand how the brain works. Given that NIBS necessarily involves the relatively indiscriminate activation of large numbers of neurons, its impact on a neural system can be easily understood as modulation of neural activity that changes the relation between noise and signal. In this review, we describe the mutual interactions between NIBS and brain activity and provide an updated and precise perspective on the theoretical frameworks of NIBS and their impact on cognitive neuroscience. By transitioning our discussion from one aspect (NIBS) to the other (cognition), we aim to provide insights to guide future research.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ruzzoli, Dr Manuela
Authors: Miniussi, C., Harris, J. A., and Ruzzoli, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0149-7634
ISSN (Online):0149-7634
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 The Authors
First Published:First published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 37(8):1702-1712
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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