Open AccessFunctional Connectivity Networks in Nonbothersome Tinnitus
Author(s) -
Wineland Andre,
Burton Harold,
Piccirillo Jay
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599812451426a269
Subject(s) - tinnitus , interquartile range , audiology , medicine , percept , beck depression inventory , functional connectivity , psychology , physical therapy , perception , psychiatry , anxiety , neuroscience
Objective To capture resting state functional connectivity in a group of nonbothered tinnitus patients in order to assess the impact of tinnitus in cortical neuroplasticity. Method Cross‐sectional study to examine differences in functional connectivity (FC) in a nonbothered tinnitus group compared to a healthy control group. Enrollment ranged from October 2010 to April 2011. Tinnitus participants were recruited from Washington University. FC differences between the 2 groups were studied by examing 58 seed regions of interest. Results The median age for the 18 subjects was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR] 52 to 57), 66% were men, 90% were white, median Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was 8 (IQR 4 to 14), and a median Beck Depression Index score of 1 (IQR 0 to 5). The median age for the control group was 46 (IQR 39 to 54) and 52% were men. Of the 58 seeds analyzed, no regions were significantly different in functional connectivity among the nonbothered tinnitus group when compared to the control group. Conclusion Among non‐bothered tinnitus patients, the tinnitus percept does not appear to alter the functional connectivity of the auditory corte or other key cortical regions.