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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Mapping Cortical Dynamics Using Simultaneous MEG/EEG and Anatomically-constrained Minimum-norm Estimates: an Auditory Attention Example
Published on: October 24, 2012
Spatiotemporal brain mapping of spatial attention effects on pattern-reversal ERPs
Francesco Di Russo1, Alessandra Stella, Grazia Spitoni
1Department of Education Sciences for Motor Activity and Sport, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy. francesco.dirusso@uniroma4.it
Human Brain Mapping
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Spatial attention amplifies visual processing signals across multiple brain areas. This study used event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map attention
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Visual-spatial attention is crucial for selecting relevant information.
- Understanding the neural mechanisms and timing of attentional selection is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing and localization of stimulus selection during visual-spatial attention.
- To determine how attention modulates neural activity in specific visual cortical areas.
Main Methods:
- Combined event-related potentials (ERPs) with structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- Presented pattern-reversing gratings to different visual fields and quadrants.
- Utilized fMRI-seeded dipole modeling to localize neural sources.
Main Results:
- Early visual component (C1) was not affected by attention.
- Attention increased the amplitude of later ERP components (80-250 ms).
- Attention-sensitive components were colocalized with fMRI activations in dorsal and ventral visual streams, including areas MT+, V4/V8, V3A, and V6.
Conclusions:
- Spatial attention amplifies neural signals in multiple visual areas.
- Both feed-forward and feedback mechanisms are involved in attentional modulation.
- The findings support a distributed network model of visual attention.
