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Recognition and Processing of Visual Information after Neuronavigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Session
Wiktoria Kasprzycka1, Magdalena Ligia Naurecka1, Bartosz Michał Sierakowski1
1Biomedical Engineering Centre, Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland.
Brain Sciences
|September 23, 2022
Summary
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the visual cortex slowed reaction times and decreased recognition accuracy for important visual stimuli. This inhibitory effect impacts performance on visually demanding tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique based on electromagnetic induction.
- TMS is utilized in diagnosing and treating neurological and mental health disorders, including depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of repetitive TMS (rTMS) on visual reaction times and associated brain activity.
- To assess the impact of rTMS on the recognition of critical visual stimuli in the presence of distractors.
Main Methods:
- Repetitive TMS (rTMS) was applied over the V1 visual cortex in 20 healthy participants using an inhibitory theta burst paradigm.
- Reaction times to visual stimuli and blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were measured.
Main Results:
- rTMS over the V1 cortex increased incorrect recognitions and prolonged reaction times (843–910 ms).
- A subgroup (n=15) showed significant reductions in V1 BOLD signal, indicating decreased neural activity.
Conclusions:
- rTMS demonstrates an inhibitory effect on visual reaction times and recognition performance.
- These findings suggest rTMS can impair the processing of significant visual objects, relevant for military applications.
