Transient Synchrony of Distant Brain Areas and Perceptual Switching in Ambiguous Figures

We studied the relationship between perceptual switching in the Necker cube and long-distance transient phase synchronization in EEG. Transient periods of response related synchrony between parietal and frontal areas were observed. They start 800 - 600 ms prior to the switch response and occur in pairs. Four types of pairs could be distinguished, two of which are accompanied by transient alpha band activity in the occipital area. The results indicate that perceptual switching processes involve parietal and frontal areas; ones that are normally associated with various cognitive processes. Sensory information in the visual areas is involved in some, but not in all, of switching processes. The intrinsic variability, as well as the 

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2006
• Where: BC
• Authors: Hironori Nakatani, Cees van Leeuwen
• Keywords: BC 2006, Frontal Areas, Long-distance Transient Phase, Response Related Synchrony