Using Dynamic Causal Modeling to Investigate the Reduction of Balance Dysfunction Following Electrical Stimulation of the Tongue

• Activity Number: 347
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistics in Imaging
• Author(s): Barbara Wendelberger*+ and M. Beth Meyerand
• Companies: University of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin
• Keywords: imaging ; causality ; dynamic causal modeling ; fMRI ; networks

Abstract

Greater understanding of the brain's complex interactions is fundamental to improving therapies for patients experiencing symptoms stemming from neurological abnormalities. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows us to visualize areas of brain activation over time and provides a wealth of data related to cerebral activity. A recent study found that an intervention known as cranial nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM), which provides information-free electrical stimulation of the tongue, can produce a sustainable reduction of hypersensitivity to motion in the visual field. Four neuronal areas have been identified as significant components in the brain's balance network. However, the directed relationships, known as effective connectivity, between these regions are not well understood. We are exploring the use, and adaptation, of dynamic causal modeling (DCM) in this paradigm to infer the directed network model of these brain regions and assess how this network is affected by CN-NINM. Ultimately, we hope to employ DCM to understand how specific neuronal regions communicate and use this to improve treatment options for patients.