Steady state visually evoked potential correlates of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia

P. Line, R. B. Silberstein, J. J. Wright, D. L. Copolov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study attempted to localize regions of brain electrical activity associated with the onset of auditory hallucinations. Changes in Steady State Visually Evoked Potential (SSVEP) topography associated with the onset of spontaneous auditory hallucinations was studied in eight schizophrenic patients. The SSVEP elicited by a spatially uniform sinusoidally varying visual flicker was recorded using a 64-channel electrode helmet. A large and significant decrease in SSVEP latency in the right temporo/parietal region occurred in the second prior to the report of auditory hallucinations. A control task with matching motor movements produced no significant decrease in SSVEP latency in the same right temporo/parietal location. This finding suggests that activity of fine temporal resolution in the neural networks in the right temporo/parietal area may be implicated in the genesis of auditory hallucination, in conformity with certain neuropsychological theories.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)370-376
Number of pages7
JournalNeuroImage
Volume8
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1998
Externally publishedYes

Cite this