Differences in brain functional connectivity between autonomous sensory meridian response and classical music

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a subjective sensory experience characterized by a tingling sensation.
• The neural underpinnings and specificity of ASMR-related brain activity changes are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare functional brain connectivity changes during ASMR trigger exposure versus classical music listening.
• To identify brain connectivity patterns specifically associated with ASMR.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain activity in 48 healthy adults.
• Participants underwent fMRI during resting state, ASMR trigger listening, and classical music listening.

Main Results:

• ASMR listening increased functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and right lateral parietal cortex compared to rest.
• ASMR listening, relative to classical music, showed increased connectivity in several regions, including those involved in self-referential processing and sensory integration.

Conclusions:

• ASMR trigger listening is associated with distinct patterns of enhanced functional connectivity compared to classical music.
• These findings suggest ASMR engages specific neural networks involved in internal evaluative processes and sensory integration.