Neural Oscillations: Sustained Rhythms or Transient Burst-Events?

Trends Neurosci. 2018 Jul;41(7):415-417. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2018.04.004. Epub 2018 May 5.

Abstract

Frequency-specific patterns of neural activity are increasingly interpreted as transient bursts of isolated events rather than as rhythmically sustained oscillations. This has potentially far-reaching implications for theories of how such oscillations originate and how they shape neural computations. As this debate unfolds, we explore alternative interpretations and ask how best to distinguish between them.

Keywords: beta oscillations; electroencephalography; frequency analysis; local field potential; magnetoencephalography; signal interpretation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Beta Rhythm / physiology*
  • Gamma Rhythm / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Periodicity