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Perspectives in Brain Imaging and Computer-Assisted Technologies for the Treatment of Hallucinations

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The Neuroscience of Hallucinations

Abstract

Brain-imaging-guided therapy has gained increased interest in recent years. Of note, recent progress in capture-symptom procedures makes possible the identification of the neural correlates of subjective experiences, such as hallucinations. This research is now facilitating a paradigm shift from the fundamental exploration of the underlying neural processes of hallucinatory experiences to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The main concept behind these approaches is to modulate the aberrant neural activity levels measured during hallucinations. One method involves training the patient to self-regulate specific brain area functions through fMRI neurofeedback. A second approach uses brain stimulation devices, such as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, to normalize brain patterns linked to psychotic symptoms. Two major advances allow investigators to plan complex and individualized stimulation procedures using neuronavigation tools and robotic assistance. These different solutions will be explored and critically discussed in the context of hallucination research.

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Abbreviations

AVH:

Auditory verbal hallucinations

BCI:

Brain–computer interface

BOLD:

Blood oxygen level dependent signal

DC:

Direct current

EEG:

Electroencephalography (-ic)

fMRI:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging

GLM:

General linear model

ICA:

Independent component analysis

MEG:

Magnetoencephalography

MVPA:

Multivoxel pattern analysis

NIRS:

Near infra-red spectroscopy

ROI:

Region-of-interest

rt-fMRI:

Real-time fMRI

rTMS:

Repetitive TMS

SAM:

Spontaneous activity map

STS:

Superior temporal sulcus

TABS-fMRI:

Temporally adaptive brain state fMRI

TMS:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

TPJ:

Temporoparietal junction

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Acknowledgments

I deeply thank Dr. Renaud Jardri for his help in writing this chapter. The author was implicated in the development of the Axilum Robotics™ device in terms of writing its specifications and utilization procedures and testing it. The author performed this development as academic work and did not receive any financial compensation from Axilum Robotics™. The author is not part of Axilum Robotics™ at any level.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INSERM U666, Physiopathologie Clinique et Expérimentale de la Schizophrénie, 1 place de l’hôpital, 406, 67091, Strasbourg Cedex, France

    Jack R. Foucher

  2. Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France

    Jack R. Foucher

  3. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France

    Jack R. Foucher

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  1. Jack R. Foucher
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Correspondence to Jack R. Foucher .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University Medical Centre of Lille, Pediatric Psychiatry Department, Fontan Hospital, F-59037, Lille cedex, France

    Renaud Jardri

  2. Sainte-Anne Hospital, Center for Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, 2 ter rue d'Alesia, Paris, F-75014, France

    Arnaud Cachia

  3. University Medical Centre of Lille, Psychiatry Department, Fontan Hospital, rue Verhaeghe, Lille cedex, F-59037, France

    Pierre Thomas

  4. University Medical Centre of Lille, Functional Neurosciences & Disorders Lab, Salengro Hospital, Lille cedex, F-59037, France

    Delphine Pins

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Foucher, J.R. (2013). Perspectives in Brain Imaging and Computer-Assisted Technologies for the Treatment of Hallucinations. In: Jardri, R., Cachia, A., Thomas, P., Pins, D. (eds) The Neuroscience of Hallucinations. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4121-2_27

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