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Central vestibular networking for sensorimotor control, cognition, and emotion
Marianne Dieterich1,2,3, Thomas Brandt1
1German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders.
Current Opinion in Neurology
|November 30, 2023
Summary
The central vestibular network extends from the brainstem to the cortex, influencing spatial cognition and anxiety. This complex network
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vestibular System Research
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The vestibular system's role extends beyond basic self-motion and posture control.
- Hierarchical organization with bottom-up and top-down interconnections is crucial.
- Cortical processes significantly modify vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal reflexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the bilateral central vestibular network from brainstem to cortical areas.
- To investigate the network's interrelation with spatial cognition and anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Comparative functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) meta-analysis.
- Analysis of vestibular stimulation and fear-conditioning studies in healthy participants.
Main Results:
- Identified widespread vestibular network clusters including prefrontal cortex, insula, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum.
- Posterior insula (cortical vestibular core) showed differential activation: activated during vestibular stimulation, deactivated during fear conditioning.
- Evidence suggests central vestibular system connections with spatial sensorimotor performance, memory, and emotion.
Conclusions:
- Understanding of higher cortical vestibular functions is in early stages.
- Brain imaging techniques are vital for decoding vestibular and interconnected networks.
- Multisensory networking, including cognition and emotion, shapes human spatial behavior.
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