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Published on: August 24, 2017
Competition for neuronal resources: how hallucinations make themselves heard
Daniela Hubl1, Thomas Koenig, Werner K Strik
1University Hospital of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatric Neurophysiology, Bolligenstrasse 111, CH-3000 Bern 60, Switzerland. hubl@puk.unibe.ch
Summary
Auditory hallucinations involve primary auditory cortex activation, suggesting a competition for neural resources. This brain activity may be essential for the experience of hearing voices without external stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Hallucinations are perceptions without external stimuli.
- Auditory verbal hallucinations are linked to primary auditory cortex activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate if auditory cortex activation is essential for hallucination character.
- Determine if activation signifies alien source attribution or heightened auditory attention.
Main Methods:
- Measured auditory evoked potentials (N100) during simultaneous hallucinations and external stimuli.
- Analyzed N100 power, topography, and brain electrical sources.
Main Results:
- Hallucinations reduced N100 amplitudes.
- Altered N100 topography indicated reduced left temporal responsivity.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest competition for primary auditory cortex resources between stimuli and hallucinations.
- Abnormal primary auditory cortex activation may constitute auditory hallucinations.
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