Human Neurophysiology

Our researchers are seeking ways to directly measure ongoing brain activity in individual neurons. We are using a combination of:

• In vivo single-unit electrophysiology
• Intracranial electrocorticography
• Eye tracking
• Behavioral, computational and theoretical approaches

This research aims to expand our understanding of learning, memory and decision-making, and could lead to new potential treatments for debilitating cognitive deficits often accompanying epilepsy, movement disorders and autism.

Scientists are studying the activity of single neurons recorded together with the local field potential in humans engaged in a learning task. This research is demonstrating that successful memory formation in humans is predicted by a tight coordination of spike timing with the local theta oscillation. More stereotyped spiking predicts better memory, as indicated by higher retrieval confidence reported by patients. This research is ongoing and contributing to our understanding of memory and potential treatments for debilitating memory deficits that often accompany epilepsy.

• Principal Investigators: Jeffrey Chung, MD; Adam Mamelak, MD, and Ueli Rutishauser, PhD

Implanting a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device in specific areas of the brain is an option for patients with movement disorders such as essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease or dystonia. As pioneers in DBS management, our researchers are using intracranial microelectrode recordings to study neuronal activity in areas of the basal ganglia while patients perform behavioral tasks.

• Principal Investigators: Ueli Rutishauser, PhD, and Michele Tagliati, MD

A key manifestation of autism is poor social contact, as exhibited by abnormal processing of information conveyed by faces. There is significant comorbidity between epilepsy and autism, which allows us to study the neural underpinnings of autism. The focus of our autism research in neurophysiology is the amygdala, which is atypical in people with autism. A key finding in our intracranial encephalogram study suggests specific subsets of neurons in the amygdala respond atypically to features of faces, particularly the eyes. In contrast, there are other subsets of neurons that respond normally to the eyes and to other parts of faces. This research presents new insights into mechanisms underlying the symptoms of autism and opens the door for further studies.

• Principal Investigator: Ueli Rutishauser, PhD

• Rutishauser Laboratory