Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Paired associative stimulation (PAS), is a novel non-invasive technique where two neural substrates are employed in a temporally coordinated manner in order to modulate cortico-motor excitability within the motor cortex (M1). In swallowing, combined pharyngeal electrical and transcranial-magnetic-stimulation induced beneficial neurophysiological and behavioural effects in healthy subjects and dysphagic stroke patients. Here, we aimed to investigate the whole-brain changes in neural activation during swallowing using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) following PAS application and in parallel assess associated GABA changes with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). METHODS: Healthy adults (n=11, 38±9years old) were randomised to receive real and sham PAS to the 'stronger' motor cortex pharyngeal representation, on 2 separate visits. Following PAS, event-related fMRI was performed to assess changes in brain activation in response to water and saliva swallowing and during rest. Data were analysed (SPM8) at P
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | NeuroImage |
Volume | 117 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Aug 2015 |
Keywords
- Cortex
- GABA
- Neuroplasticity
- Paired associative stimulation
- Pharynx
- Swallowing