Occipital Nerve Stimulation Selectively Modulates Top-down Inhibitory Control
Published in Brain Stimulation, 2025
Novel approaches to modulating neural activity via peripheral nerve stimulation have been developed, including non-invasive stimulation of the greater occipital nerve (NITESGON). Using NITESGON, research has successfully modulated neural activity governing memory processes, with evidence toward a norepinephrine-driven mechanism through the Locus Coeruleus (LC-NE) [4]. Following this evidence, we chose to pursue a series of two experiments which investigate if attentional control can be modulated using NITESGON. Two pathways of modulation, either via top-down goal directed processes or bottom-up stimulus driven processes, could be selectively modulated via the peripheral nerve through subcortical activity.
Recommended citation: Byczynski, G., Farrely, R., Dempsey, E., Scarlat, I-M., Vanneste, S (2025). "Occipital nerve stimulation selectively modulates top-down inhibitory control." Brain Stimulation. 18, 1, 97-99.
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