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Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation on posterior parietal cortex disrupts visuo-spatial processing in
L Schweid1, R J Rushmore, A Valero-Cabré
1Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate Division of Medical Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Experimental Brain Research
|January 16, 2008
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) temporarily impaired visual-spatial processing in cats when applied to the visuoparietal cortex. This non-invasive brain stimulation technique offers potential for modifying brain activity and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Visual Processing
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique gaining popularity.
- Previous studies focused on tDCS effects on motor and primary visual cortices.
- Extrastriate visual areas' response to tDCS remains largely unexplored, particularly in visuo-spatial processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of tDCS on extrastriate visual areas.
- To assess tDCS effects on visuo-spatial processing, specifically target detection, localization, and orientation.
- To examine the temporal dynamics of tDCS-induced behavioral changes.
Main Methods:
- Unilateral cathodal tDCS applied to the visuoparietal (VP) cortex in cats.
- Performance assessed using a visual target detection and orientation paradigm.
- Behavioral testing conducted online, immediately offline, and 1-24 hours post-stimulation.
Main Results:
- Real tDCS, but not sham, significantly reduced performance for static visual targets in the contralateral visual hemifield.
- The most pronounced behavioral effects were observed during online and immediate offline testing.
- tDCS effects showed a progressive decay, with performance returning to baseline around 60 minutes post-stimulation.
Conclusions:
- tDCS can modulate neuronal activity in extrastriate visual areas like the VP cortex.
- The findings suggest tDCS has the potential to alter visuo-spatial behavior.
- This research opens avenues for using tDCS in both typical and neurologically impaired individuals to sculpt brain activity and behavior.
