Short-latency median-nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials and induced gamma-oscillations in humans

Brain. 2008 Jul;131(Pt 7):1793-805. doi: 10.1093/brain/awn100. Epub 2008 May 27.

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that cortical gamma-oscillations are tightly linked with various forms of physiological activity. In the present study, the dynamic changes of intracranially recorded median-nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) and somatosensory-induced gamma-oscillations were animated on a three-dimensional MR image, and the temporal and spatial characteristics of these activities were analysed in 10 children being evaluated for epilepsy surgery. Visual and quantitative assessments revealed that short-latency SEPs and somatosensory-induced gamma-oscillations predominantly involved the post-central gyrus and less intensely involved the pre-central gyrus and the anterior parietal lobule. Formation of a dipole of N20 peak with opposite polarities across the central sulcus was well delineated in animation movies. High-frequency (100-250 Hz) somatosensory-induced gamma-oscillations emerged in the post-central gyrus at 13.6-17.5 ms after median-nerve stimulation, gradually slowed down in frequency around and below 100 Hz, and progressively involved the neighbouring areas. A substantial proportion of somatosensory-induced gamma-oscillations was initially phase-locked and the proportion of a non-phase-locked component gradually increased over time. The primary motor hand areas proven by cortical stimulation frequently coincided with the sites showing the largest N20 peak and the largest somatosensory-induced gamma oscillations. In vivo animation of SEPs and somatosensory-induced gamma oscillations both may be utilized to localize the primary sensory-motor hand area in pre-surgical evaluation. The dipole on SEPs is consistent with the previously accepted notion that the cortices along the central sulcus are activated. The high-frequency somatosensory-induced gamma-oscillations in the post-central gyrus may represent the initial neural processing for external somatosensory stimuli, whereas the subsequent lower-frequency oscillations might represent the reafferent cortical activity occurring in larger cortical networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology*
  • Epilepsy / surgery
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Median Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Reaction Time
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Somatosensory Cortex / physiopathology