Directed by researchers from the Centre de Recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière (CNRS / Inserm / UPMC), an international team successfully used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to achieve better visual capabilities of a consortium of healthy subjects.
The brain’s right hemisphere is responsible for perceptual awareness as well as orientation of spatial attention. By stimulating this area, the subjects showed promising signs of recognizing a target being displayed on a screen. This work has been published in the journal PLoS ONE to support advancement.
TMS is a non-invasive technique that can transmit magnetic pulse into a specific area within the brain. This led to the activation of the cortical neurons present in the range of the magnetic field that promotes modification in activity. Led by Antoni Valero-Cabré, the team conducted research, wherein the frontal eye field, a region of the right cerebral hemisphere was stimulated.
The first experiment involves efforts by group of healthy subjects in distinguishing a very low contrast target being displayed on a screen for 30 ms. During certain tests, a magnetic pulse that lasts for 80 to 140 ms reached the subjects on this frontal region prior to the appearance of target. The researchers resolved the success rate to increase when TMS is involved. The visual sensitivity of healthy subjects experienced a temporary increase by 12%.
During the second experiment, a fleeting visual cue was shown to the subjects. It indicated the potential target-appearing spot. The visual sensitivity’s enhancement was demonstrated as the cue indicated the exact location of the target.
This TMS-based enhancement of visual enhancement approach can be tested for the rehabilitation of patients having cortical damage.
The researchers state that TMS will be potential tool for enhancing the attentional capabilities of individuals to carry out tasks involving good visual skills.
Source: http://www.cnrs.fr/