The reticular thalamic nucleus is involved in interhemispheric synchronization of the EEG

Abstract

The EEG of the left and right hemisphere shows phase relationships. A classical and a non-linear EEG synchronization method was compared before and after an unilateral lesion of the reticular thalamic nucleus. The usefulness of the new synchronization measure is illustrated by the fact that it showed synchronizations hardly seen by visual inspection. Next, the non-linear association measure was much more sensitive than the classical cross-correlation, stressing not only the presence of non-linear interdependence between the two hemispheres but also the sensitivity of this new variable. Damage to the rostral pole of the RTN reduces the linear cross-correlation but even more the non-linear interdependency of the synchronicity between the left and right hemisphere.