Visual stimulation alters local 40-Hz responses in humans: an EEG-study

Irregular changing visual patterns and coherently moving bars were presented either in the upper or lower half of the visual field of 12 human subjects. EEG responses recorded over the occipital lobe showed an increase of 40 Hz spectral power when a regular pattern of moving bars appeared. This enhancement of 40-Hz activity varied as a function of visual field presentation. Coherent stimuli in the upper visual field elicited 40-Hz enhancement at lower occipital electrodes, while coherent stimulation in the lower visual field elicited 40-Hz enhancement at upper occipital electrodes. These results evidence that neuronal 40-Hz responses are a correlate of perception of coherent visual patterns in humans. Area-specific 40-Hz responses related to visual perception can be picked up in the EEG.