Abstracts

Rationale: This is to our knowledge the first study reporting the cognitive- related local field potentials recorded directly in the AN. The anterior nucleus of thalamus (AN) is a new target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in epilepsy. The aim of this work was to inquire whether the AN area might participate in executive functions. Methods: Three pharmacoresistant epilepsy patients implanted with AN - DBS electrodes performed two tasks involving the writing of single letters: 1. copying letters from a monitor; 2. writing of any other letter than that appearing on a monitor. Results: The cognitive load of the second task was increased by larger involvement of the executive functions. The task-related potentials (ERPs) and oscillatory changes were assesed. The local field ERPs and significant increase in lower gamma activity were elicited by the two tasks. Local event-related alpha and beta desynchronizations were more expressed during the second task. Conclusions: The AN together with frontal and temporal areas participate in cognitive networks processing complex visuomotor tasks. AN participates in network processing the executive functions. Therefore the AN stimulation could influence performance of higher mental cognitive operations. More attention should be paid to complex cognitive and particularly executive functions in subject undergoing AN DBS.