Exploring the Relationship Between Brain Asymmetry and Attention

Objective

The goal of this protocol to explore correlations between lateralized individual differences in visual attentional preference and hemispheric asymmetries in functional connectivity between the frontal and parietal visual attention areas. To measure functional connectivity, resting state functional MRI and electroencephalographic (EEG) potentials evoked with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used. Protocol research will also attempt to validate the TMS-evoked EEG potentials against fMRI resting state functional connectivity.

Study Population

Up to 80 right-handed and right-eyed healthy volunteers, aged 18-35

Design

TMS evoked EEG potentials (TEPs) and fMRI will be used to measure functional connectivity between the posterior parietal cortex and the frontal visual attention area. Various tasks will be used to quantify attention and explore their relationship with asymmetries in functional connectivity. A qualitative comparison between the value of fMRI and TEPs for predicting attentional bias will be made.

Outcome Measures

• Behavioral measures of attention
• TEP measures of functional connectivity
• fMRI measures of functional connectivity

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Age 18 and older
• Able to provide consent

For some sub-studies, we may limit participation by handedness or eye dominance.

Exclusion criteria

• Any current major neurological or psychiatric disorder, such as, (but not limited to) stroke, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, schizophrenia or major depression
• Findings on neurological examination indicative of significant brain disease
• Individuals with significant health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, malignancy, or connective tissue disorder
• History of seizure, defined as a diagnosis by a health care provider of one or more epileptic seizures or an anecdotal history which, in the opinion of the PI, is suggestive of epileptic seizure. Any individual who answers other than negatively to the question, Have you ever had an epileptic seizure on screening will be questioned directly by the PI
• Current oral use of a medication that lowers the seizure threshold such as neuroleptics, beta lactams, isoniazid, metronidazole, tricyclic or other antidepressants, or prescription stimulants
• Individuals regularly taking medications that cause significant psychomotor activation or depression, e.g., stimulants and CNS depressant drugs such as benzodiazepines, will be excluded.
• For MRI studies: Any metal in the body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe, such as pacemakers, stimulators, pumps, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses, artificial heart valves, cochlear implants or shrapnel fragments, any individual who was a welder or metal worker. Participants will also be excluded if they are uncomfortable in small closed spaces (i.e. claustrophobia) or are not able to lie comfortably on their back for up to two hours
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant in the next two months
• Members of the Behavioral Neurology Unit, NINDS
• Use of illegal drugs in the past year
• Consumption of more than 7 alcoholic drinks a week for females or 14 alcoholic drinks a week for males.

There is no general exclusion for NIH employees. Inclusion/exclusion criteria will be checked before enrollment in each sub-study to ensure that participants remain eligible.