Bioinspired Electric Stimulation: Comparison of ECoG Spectrum in the Main Auditory Structures

Neuroprosthetics represents a powerful tool to improve neural impairments, acting on plasticity in subjects with sensory or cognitive defeats. In this work, a biomimetic sonar was investigated to modulate neural activity in the auditory system by comparing electrocorticogram (ECoG) frequency spectrum in two stimulation sites: the inferior colliculus (IC), and the left primary auditory cortex (A1). The sonar provides electric signals generated from echoes in both areas, modulating the synaptic activity. Spectral analysis allows the evaluation of the excitatory and inhibitory responses. The dynamic interactions of the auditory cortex with the ascending and descending projections from the cortex to subcortical structures, make the A1 suitable to become an excellent stimulation site for a neuroprosthetic device since the high oscillations in gamma and beta band.

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