Demonstrating the pathophysiology of auditory hallucinations with transcranial magnetic stimulation

Lucia Alba-Ferrara, Gabriel A. de Erausquin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The development of novel neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) respectively, have advanced the study of the brain basis of auditory hallucinations dramatically. By combining both techniques, it is now possible to observe disrupted neurophysiological activity in the brain of patients experiencing hallucinations and to establish causal relations between the abnormal perceptual phenomenon and its underpinning aberrant brain responses. A few studies employed fMRI guided TMS to assess the pathophysiology of auditory hallucinations and to design new therapeutic interventions aiming to ameliorate this symptom, but unfortunately their results have been dissimilar. In this chapter we review methodological aspect of fMRI guided TMS studies on hallucinations. We propose novel research paradigms which could answer theoretical questions about the neural underpinnings of auditory hallucination. This strand of research final goal is to create new therapeutic interventions to treat this symptom.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation
Subtitle of host publicationMethods, Clinical Uses and Effects on the Brain
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages109-118
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781626186798
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Neuroscience

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