Open questions on the mechanisms of neuromodulation with applied and endogenous electric fields

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Editorial

17 April 2014

Open questions on the mechanisms of neuromodulation with applied and endogenous electric fields

Shennan A. Weiss

and

Marom Bikson

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8 citations

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Shennan Aibel Weiss

Stony Brook University

City College of New York (CUNY)

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Despite increased knowledge, and more sophisticated experimental and modeling approaches, fundamental questions remain about how electricity can interact with ongoing brain function in information processing or as a medical intervention. Specifically, what biophysical and network mechanisms allow for weak electric fields to strongly influence neuronal activity and function? How can strong and weak fields induce meaningful changes in CNS function? How do abnormal endogenous electric fields contribute to pathophysiology? Topics included in the review range from the role of field effects in cortical oscillations, transcranial electrical stimulation, deep brain stimulation, modeling of field effects, and the role of field effects in neurological diseases such as epilepsy, hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia, and multiple sclerosis.
The format of each (<1000 word) mini-review will begin by posing a question, problem, or challenge. The author(s) will provide a brief review of the literature and introduce essential concepts. Data regarding the outstanding question is presented, analyzed, and issues of contention discussed thoroughly. The author should offer the reader an answer to the posed question if possible, and offer suggestions for future experiments to address outstanding issues.

Despite increased knowledge, and more sophisticated experimental and modeling approaches, fundamental questions remain about how electricity can interact with ongoing brain function in information processing or as a medical intervention. Specifically, what biophysical and network mechanisms allow for weak electric fields to strongly influence neuronal activity and function? How can strong and weak fields induce meaningful changes in CNS function? How do abnormal endogenous electric fields contribute to pathophysiology? Topics included in the review range from the role of field effects in cortical oscillations, transcranial electrical stimulation, deep brain stimulation, modeling of field effects, and the role of field effects in neurological diseases such as epilepsy, hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia, and multiple sclerosis.
The format of each (<1000 word) mini-review will begin by posing a question, problem, or challenge. The author(s) will provide a brief review of the literature and introduce essential concepts. Data regarding the outstanding question is presented, analyzed, and issues of contention discussed thoroughly. The author should offer the reader an answer to the posed question if possible, and offer suggestions for future experiments to address outstanding issues.

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Shennan Aibel Weiss

Stony Brook University

City College of New York (CUNY)

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Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Human Neuroscience Archive, Brain Imaging and Stimulation, Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Health and Clinical Neuroscience

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