Intracerebral functional connectivity-guided neurofeedback as a putative rehabilitative intervention for ameliorating auditory-related dysfunctions.
Electroencephalography (EEG) constitutes one of the most eligible candidates for neurofeedback applications, principally due to its excellent temporal resolution best reflecting the natural dynamics of brain processes. In addition, EEG is easy to use and provides the opportunity for mobile applications. In the present opinion article, we pinpoint the advantages of using intracerebral functional connectivity (IFC) instead of quantitative scalp EEG for interventional applications. In fact, due to the convergence of multiple signals originating from different spatial locations and electrophysiological interactions, miscellaneous scalp signals are too unspecific for therapeutic neurofeedback applications. Otherwise, IFC opens novel perspectives for influencing brain activity in specific dysfunctional small- and large-scale neuronal networks with a reasonable spatial resolution. In the present article, we propose concrete interventional IFC applications that may be used to ameliorate auditory-related dysfunctions such as developmental dyslexia.
Division Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland.
Stefan
S
Elmer
Division Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland ; Center for Integrative Human Physiology Zurich, Switzerland ; International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center Zurich, Switzerland ; Research Unit for Plasticity and Learning of the Healthy Aging Brain, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland ; Dynamic of Healthy Aging, University Research Priority Program University of Zurich Switzerland ; Department of Special Education, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Lutz
L
Jäncke
EEG; auditory-related cortex; developmental dyslexia; functional connectivity; neurofeedback; rehabilitation