Intracortical microstimulation of somatosensory cortex generates evoked responses in motor cortex

Luke E. Osborn, David McMullen, Breanne P. Christie, Pawel Kudela, Tessy M. Thomas, Margaret C. Thompson, Robert W. Nickl, Manuel Anaya, Sahana Srihari, Nathan E. Crone, Brock A. Wester, Pablo A. Celnik, Gabriela Cantarero, Francesco V. Tenore, Matthew S. Fifer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The complex nature of neural connections throughout the cerebral cortex has led to broad interest in understanding cortical functional networks of tactile perception and sensorimotor integration. Cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) can be used as physiological markers to study and map cerebral networks in the brain. In a human participant with bi-hemispheric microelectrode array implants in sensorimotor regions of the brain, we found that intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of the primary somatosensory cortex can lead to evoked responses in the motor cortex in the same hemisphere, indicating connectivity between these sensorimotor regions. Single ICMS pulses were not consciously perceived, but elicited a rapid evoked potential approximately 20 ms after stimulus onset. Multi-pulse ICMS trains, perceived as tactile sensations in the thumb, sustained over an approximately 33 ms period, led to a delayed evoked response roughly 80 ms after stimulus onset. This work is important not only for better understanding the functional relationship between cortical areas, specifically somatosensory and motor cortices, but also to provide insight on pathways where neuromodulation techniques could be employed for rehabilitation or mitigation of sensorimotor neurodegenerative effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2021 10th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, NER 2021
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages53-56
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781728143378
DOIs
StatePublished - May 4 2021
Event10th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, NER 2021 - Virtual, Online, Italy
Duration: May 4 2021May 6 2021

Publication series

NameInternational IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, NER
Volume2021-May
ISSN (Print)1948-3546
ISSN (Electronic)1948-3554

Conference

Conference10th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, NER 2021
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityVirtual, Online
Period5/4/215/6/21

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Mechanical Engineering

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