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Functional Frequency Discrimination From Cortical Somatosensory Stimulation in Humans
Daniel R Kramer1,2, Krista Lamorie-Foote3, Michael Barbaro3
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|August 24, 2019
Summary
This study explored frequency changes in brain stimulation for artificial sensation. Higher frequency differences increased perceived intensity, suggesting frequency is a reliable parameter for Brain-Computer Interface systems.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Cortical stimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex (PSC) offers safe and reliable artificial sensation.
- Existing research shows stimulation parameter changes affect percepts but lack defined psychometric profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional limits of frequency variations in cortical stimulation for tactile percepts.
- To establish psychometric profiles for frequency as a stimulation parameter.
Main Methods:
- Utilized subdural electrocorticography (ECoG) grids in three epilepsy patients.
- Applied constant amplitude, pulse-width, and pulse-duration stimulation at varying frequencies (20-100 Hz).
- Subjects performed a hidden target task, identifying higher frequencies.
Main Results:
- Increased frequency differences correlated with heightened perceived intensity.
- Reliable stimulation detection was observed at 40 Hz and above.
- A lower detection limit near 20 Hz and a just-noticeable difference under 10 Hz were estimated.
Conclusions:
- Frequency serves as a dependable and adjustable parameter for sensory feedback.
- Findings support frequency's utility in defining functional settings and thresholds for Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems.
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