Evidence for neural encoding of Bayesian surprise in human somatosensation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Dirk Ostwald - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Birmingham (Author)
  • Bernhard Spitzer - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Matthias Guggenmos - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Timo T. Schmidt - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Stefan J. Kiebel - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Author)
  • Felix Blankenburg - , Free University of Berlin (Author)

Abstract

Accumulating empirical evidence suggests a role of Bayesian inference and learning for shaping neural responses in auditory and visual perception. However, its relevance for somatosensory processing is unclear. In the present study we test the hypothesis that cortical somatosensory processing exhibits dynamics that are consistent with Bayesian accounts of brain function. Specifically, we investigate the cortical encoding of Bayesian surprise, a recently proposed marker of Bayesian perceptual learning, using EEG data recorded from 15 subjects. Capitalizing on a somatosensory mismatch roving paradigm, we performed computational single-trial modeling of evoked somatosensory potentials for the entire peri-stimulus time period in source space. By means of Bayesian model selection, we find that, at 140. ms post-stimulus onset, secondary somatosensory cortex represents Bayesian surprise rather than stimulus change, which is the conventional marker of EEG mismatch responses. In contrast, at 250. ms, right inferior frontal cortex indexes stimulus change. Finally, at 360. ms, our analyses indicate additional perceptual learning attributable to medial cingulate cortex. In summary, the present study provides novel evidence for anatomical-temporal/functional segregation in human somatosensory processing that is consistent with the Bayesian brain hypothesis.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)177-188
Number of pages12
JournalNeuroImage
Volume62
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2012
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 22579866

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Bayesian brain hypothesis, Computational neuroimaging, EEG single trial modeling, Somatosensory mismatch response

Library keywords