Investigating the function of deep cortical and subcortical structures using stereotactic electroencephalography: lessons from the anterior cingulate cortex.
Stereotactic Electroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique used to localize seizure foci in patients with medically intractable epilepsy. This procedure involves the chronic placement of multiple depth electrodes into regions of the brain typically inaccessible via subdural grid electrode placement. SEEG thus provides a unique opportunity to investigate brain function. In this paper we demonstrate how SEEG can be used to investigate the role of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in cognitive control. We include a description of the SEEG procedure, demonstrating the surgical placement of the electrodes. We describe the components and process required to record local field potential (LFP) data from consenting subjects while they are engaged in a behavioral task. In the example provided, subjects play a cognitive interference task, and we demonstrate how signals are recorded and analyzed from electrodes in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, an area intimately involved in decision-making. We conclude with further suggestions of ways in which this method can be used for investigating human cognitive processes.
Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; ram2140@columbia.edu.
Robert A
RA
McGovern
School of Medicine, King's College London.
Tarini
T
Ratneswaren
Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Elliot H
EH
Smith
Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Jennifer F
JF
Russo
Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Amy C
AC
Jongeling
Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Lisa M
LM
Bateman
Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Catherine A
CA
Schevon
Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Neil A
NA
Feldstein
Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Guy M
GM
McKhann
Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Sameer
S
Sheth
D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology; D004566:Electrodes; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006179:Gyrus Cinguli / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques