Inferring causality in brain images: a perturbation approach.
When engaged by a stimulus, different nodes of a neural circuit respond in a coordinated fashion. We often ask whether there is a cause and effect in such interregional interactions. This paper proposes that we can infer causality in functional connectivity by employing a 'perturb and measure' approach. In the human brain, this has been achieved by combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with positron emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalography. Here, I will illustrate this approach by reviewing some of our TMS/PET work, and will conclude by discussing a few methodological and theoretical challenges facing those studying neural connectivity using a perturbation.
Paus
Tomás
T
Brain & Body Centre, University of Nottingham, UK. tomas.paus@nottingham.ac.uk
D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008280:Magnetics; D008959:Models, Neurological; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography