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Pandey HR, Keshri A, Singh A, Sinha N, Kumar U. Using ALE coordinate-based meta-analysis to observe resting-state brain abnormalities in subjective tinnitus. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:496-509. [PMID: 38170303 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00846-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The origin of tinnitus remains a topic of discussion; however, numerous resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) studies interpret it as a disruption in neural functional connectivity. Yet, there's notable inconsistency in the resting-state data across these studies. To shed light on this discrepancy, we conducted a meta-analysis of extant rsfMRI studies, aiming to identify potential regions that consistently signify core abnormalities in individuals with tinnitus. METHODS A systematic search on MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases was performed to identify rsfMRI studies on tinnitus published up to October 2022. Coordinates related to the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) brain maps that showed significant differences between tinnitus patients and controls were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using the activation likelihood estimation method. Data were included from 17 rsfMRI studies that reported a total of 63 distinct foci in ALFF and 46 foci in ReHo. RESULTS Our meta-analysis revealed several regions where tinnitus patients demonstrated increased ALFF and ReHO values, both individually and collectively, when compared to control subjects. These regions encompassed the insula, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus on both sides. Additionally, increased activity was also noted in the cerebellum posterior lobe bilaterally and the right superior frontal gyrus. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis demonstrates a unique pattern of resting-state brain abnormalities involving both the auditory and non-auditory brain regions as neuroimaging markers, which helps understand the neuro-pathophysiological mechanisms of tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu R Pandey
- Centre of Bio-Medical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Amit Keshri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Anshita Singh
- Centre of Bio-Medical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Neeraj Sinha
- Centre of Bio-Medical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India
| | - Uttam Kumar
- Centre of Bio-Medical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India.
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Gasparre D, Pepe I, Laera D, Abbatantuono C, De Caro MF, Taurino A, D’Erasmo D, Fanizzi P, Antonucci LA, Pantaleo A, Cavallaro G, Pontillo V, Taurisano P, Quaranta N. Cognitive functioning and psychosomatic syndromes in a subjective tinnitus sample. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1256291. [PMID: 38192387 PMCID: PMC10773809 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1256291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tinnitus is the perception of a sound in the absence of any corresponding external sound source. Current research suggests a relationship among emotional, cognitive, and psychosomatic symptoms and the occurrence or maintenance of chronic tinnitus. This study aimed to detect the prevalence and role of psychosomatic conditions, as defined by the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR), and cognitive functioning in a group of patients with tinnitus. Methods Sixty-two patients with subjective tinnitus and 62 non-tinnitus controls were recruited from the Otorhinolaryngology Unit of the University of Bari. Pure-tone audiometry was performed in all tinnitus subjects, and sound level tolerance was evaluated. Additionally, tinnitus handicap (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory [THI]), psychopathological symptoms (Symptom Checklist-90, Revised [SCL-90-R]), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI-Y1/2]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]), executive functions (Frontal Assessment Battery [FAB]), and psychosomatic syndromes (DCPR) were evaluated. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to detect cognitive and symptomatological differences between patients and controls. The predictivity of these factors for tinnitus severity was studied using multiple regression (Backward Elimination). All tests were considered significant at p < 0.05 (family wise error corrected for each comparison). Results 69.4% tinnitus patients met multiple DCPR criteria, compared to 32.3% of controls. Tinnitus patients exhibited elevated rates of illness denial (ꭓ2 = 9.02; p < 0.009), demoralization (ꭓ2 = 8.05; p < 0.018), somatization (ꭓ2 = 4.92; p < 0.063) and functional symptoms (ꭓ2 = 5.21; p < 0.06) scoring significantly higher on the BDI, STAI-Y1, and STAI-Y2, and SCL-90-R compared to controls. Patients with tinnitus showed lower MMSE scores, compared to controls (t = -2.282; p < 0.001). No association between tinnitus severity and global cognitive impairment emerged. Conversely, executive function deficits were associated to tinnitus severity. Among the cognitive and psychological factors, only trait anxiety, one or more psychosomatic syndromes, and somatization clusters were strongly correlated with tinnitus severity. Discussion Our findings suggest a relationship between tinnitus severity, psychological, psychosomatic symptoms, and frontal impairment. Additionally, the influence of tinnitus on cognitive functions paves the way for integrated, multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment options for patients. Although preliminary, our findings highlight the importance of early cognitive and psychological screening to improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Gasparre
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pepe
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Laera
- Clinical Psychology Service, Mental Health Department, ASL Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Chiara Abbatantuono
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Fara De Caro
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Taurino
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Palazzo Chiaia-Napolitano, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniele D’Erasmo
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Fanizzi
- Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Linda A. Antonucci
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pantaleo
- Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giada Cavallaro
- Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Pontillo
- Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Taurisano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Quaranta
- Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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任 柯, 刘 晖, 王 宇, 张 文, 杨 婷, 许 丽. [Progress in neural network mechanism of tinnitus using functional magnetic resonance imaging]. LIN CHUANG ER BI YAN HOU TOU JING WAI KE ZA ZHI = JOURNAL OF CLINICAL OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY, HEAD, AND NECK SURGERY 2023; 37:582-587. [PMID: 37549953 PMCID: PMC10570109 DOI: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2023.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus refers to the perception of abnormal sound in the absence of external sound stimulation. It can have an impact on a person's mood, memory, attention, and mental state, although the mechanism of tinnitus is still unclear. In recent years, the research on the central neural mechanism of tinnitus has attracted the attention of scholars.Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI),as an effective imaging technology, has been actively employed in this field. This paper provides a systematic summary of studies on the central neural mechanism of tinnitus by fMRI in recent years,revealed the changes of functional connections among tinnitus-related neural networks,such as auditory network,limbic system,default mode network and salience network. The central neural mechanism of tinnitus involves multiple networks that interact with each other. By understanding this mechanism, we hope to develop more targeted prevention and treatment strategies to help patients alleviate long-term tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- 柯蕙 任
- 西安医学院(西安,710000)X'ian Medical College, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - 晖 刘
- 陕西省人民医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital
| | - 宇娟 王
- 陕西省人民医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital
| | - 文 张
- 陕西省人民医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital
| | - 婷 杨
- 西安医学院(西安,710000)X'ian Medical College, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - 丽丽 许
- 西安医学院(西安,710000)X'ian Medical College, Xi'an, 710000, China
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Singh A, Smith PF, Zheng Y. Targeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9889. [PMID: 37373034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is originally derived from the Latin verb tinnire, which means "to ring". Tinnitus, a complex disorder, is a result of sentient cognizance of a sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. It is reported in children, adults, and older populations. Patients suffering from tinnitus often present with hearing loss, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption in addition to a hissing and ringing in the ear. Surgical interventions and many other forms of treatment have been only partially effective due to heterogeneity in tinnitus patients and a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of tinnitus. Although researchers across the globe have made significant progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of tinnitus over the past few decades, tinnitus is still deemed to be a scientific enigma. This review summarises the role of the limbic system in tinnitus development and provides insight into the development of potential target-specific tinnitus therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yiwen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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Rosemann S, Rauschecker JP. Disruptions of default mode network and precuneus connectivity associated with cognitive dysfunctions in tinnitus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5746. [PMID: 37029175 PMCID: PMC10082191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is the perception of a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound "in the ear" without external stimulation. Previous research has demonstrated changes in resting-state functional connectivity in tinnitus, but findings do not overlap and are even contradictory. Furthermore, how altered functional connectivity in tinnitus is related to cognitive abilities is currently unknown. Here we investigated resting-state functional connectivity differences between 20 patients with chronic tinnitus and 20 control participants matched in age, sex and hearing loss. All participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging, audiometric and cognitive assessments, and filled in questionnaires targeting anxiety and depression. Significant differences in functional connectivity between tinnitus patients and control participants were not obtained. However, we did find significant associations between cognitive scores and functional coupling of the default mode network and the precuneus with the superior parietal lobule, supramarginal gyrus, and orbitofrontal cortex. Further, tinnitus distress correlated with connectivity between the precuneus and the lateral occipital complex. This is the first study providing evidence for disruptions of default mode network and precuneus coupling that are related to cognitive dysfunctions in tinnitus. The constant attempt to decrease the tinnitus sensation might occupy certain brain resources otherwise available for concurrent cognitive operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Rosemann
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Josef P Rauschecker
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
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Du H, Feng X, Qian X, Zhang J, Liu B, Li A, Huang Z, Gao X. Recent-onset and persistent tinnitus: Uncovering the differences in brain activities using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging technologies. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:976095. [PMID: 36340775 PMCID: PMC9627982 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.976095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the differences in intra-regional brain activity and inter-regional functional connectivity between patients with recent-onset tinnitus (ROT) and persistent tinnitus (PT) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), including the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and voxel-wise functional connectivity (FC). Method We acquired rs-fMRI scans from 82 patients (25 without recent-onset tinnitus, 28 with persistent tinnitus, and 29 healthy controls). Age, sex, and years of education were matched across the three groups. We performed ALFF, ReHo, and voxel-wise FC analyses for all patients. Results Compared with the control group, participants with ROT and PT manifested significantly reduced ALFF and ReHo activity within the left and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and gyrus rectus (GR). Additional voxel-wise FC revealed decreased connectivity between the dorsolateral SFG (left and right) and the right superior parietal gyrus (SPG), right middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and left medial superior frontal gyrus (mSFG) within these two groups. Significant differences were observed between the ROT and PT groups, with the ROT group demonstrating reduced FC. Conclusion Our data suggest that patients with PT have more difficulty monitoring external stimuli and reorienting attention than patients with ROT. In addition, patients who perceive higher levels of disruption from tinnitus are more likely to develop persistent and debilitating tinnitus once the tinnitus lasts longer than six months. Therefore, we strongly recommend that clinicians implement effective tinnitus management strategies in patients with ROT as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoliang Du
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory Medical Discipline, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Department of Research Institution of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Feng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Qian
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory Medical Discipline, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Department of Research Institution of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ao Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory Medical Discipline, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Department of Research Institution of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhichun Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhichun Huang,
| | - Xia Gao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory Medical Discipline, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Department of Research Institution of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Xia Gao,
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Kok TE, Domingo D, Hassan J, Vuong A, Hordacre B, Clark C, Katrakazas P, Shekhawat GS. Resting-state Networks in Tinnitus : A Scoping Review. Clin Neuroradiol 2022; 32:903-922. [PMID: 35556148 PMCID: PMC9744700 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-022-01170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic subjective tinnitus is the constant perception of a sound that has no physical source. Brain imaging studies show alterations in tinnitus patients' resting-state networks (RSNs). This scoping review aims to provide an overview of resting-state fMRI studies in tinnitus, and to evaluate the evidence for changes in different RSNs. A total of 29 studies were included, 26 of which found alterations in networks such as the auditory network, default mode network, attention networks, and visual network; however, there is a lack of reproducibility in the field which can be attributed to the use of different regions of interest and analytical methods per study, and tinnitus heterogeneity. Future studies should focus on replication by using the same regions of interest in their analysis of resting-state data, and by controlling adequately for potential confounds. These efforts could potentially lead to the identification of a biomarker for tinnitus in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Elyssa Kok
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Deepti Domingo
- grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Joshua Hassan
- grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alysha Vuong
- grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brenton Hordacre
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Innovation, IMPlementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Chris Clark
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Department of Developmental Imaging and Biophysics, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Giriraj Singh Shekhawat
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK ,grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia ,Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany
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Hu J, Xu JJ, Shang S, Chen H, Yin X, Qi J, Wu Y. Cerebral Blood Flow Difference Between Acute and Chronic Tinnitus Perception: A Perfusion Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:752419. [PMID: 34675772 PMCID: PMC8523683 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.752419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The central nervous mechanism of acute tinnitus is different from that of chronic tinnitus, which may be related to the difference of cerebral blood flow (CBF) perfusion in certain regions. To verify this conjecture, we used arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in this study to compare the CBF alterations of patients with acute and chronic tinnitus. Methods: The current study included patients with chronic tinnitus (n = 35), acute tinnitus (n = 30), and healthy controls (n = 40) who were age-, sex-, and education-matched. All participants underwent MRI scanning and then ASL images were obtained to measure CBF of the entire brain and analyze the differences between groups as well as the correlations with tinnitus characteristics. Results: The chronic tinnitus group showed increased z-CBF in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and superior frontal gyrus (SFG) when compared with the acute tinnitus patients. Further connectivity analysis found enhanced CBF connectivity between the right STG and fusiform gyrus (FG), the right SFG and left middle occipital gyrus (MOG), as well as the right parahippocampal gyrus (PHG). Moreover, in the chronic tinnitus group, the tinnitus handicap questionnaire (THQ) score was positively correlated with the normalized z-CBF of right STG (r = 0.440, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Our results confirmed that the CBF changes in some brain regions were different between acute and chronic tinnitus patients, which was correlated with certain tinnitus characteristics. This is of great value to further research on chronicity of tinnitus, and ASL has a promising application in the measurement of CBF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin-Jing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Song’an Shang
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyou Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xindao Yin
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianwei Qi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanqing Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Koops EA, Eggermont JJ. The thalamus and tinnitus: Bridging the gap between animal data and findings in humans. Hear Res 2021; 407:108280. [PMID: 34175683 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2021.108280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal mechanisms underlying tinnitus are yet to be revealed. Tinnitus, an auditory phantom sensation, used to be approached as a purely auditory domain symptom. More recently, the modulatory impact of non-auditory brain regions on the percept and burden of tinnitus are explored. The thalamus is uniquely situated to facilitate the communication between auditory and non-auditory subcortical and cortical structures. Traditionally, animal models of tinnitus have focussed on subcortical auditory structures, and research with human participants has been concerned with cortical activity in auditory and non-auditory areas. Recently, both research fields have investigated the connectivity between subcortical and cortical regions and between auditory and non-auditory areas. We show that even though the different fields employ different methods to investigate the activity and connectivity of brain areas, there is consistency in the results on tinnitus between these different approaches. This consistency between human and animals research is observed for tinnitus with peripherally instigated hearing damage, and for results obtained with salicylate and noise-induced tinnitus. The thalamus integrates input from limbic and prefrontal areas and modulates auditory activity via its connections to both subcortical and cortical auditory areas. Reported altered activity and connectivity of the auditory, prefrontal, and limbic regions suggest a more systemic approach is necessary to understand the origins and impact of tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elouise A Koops
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jos J Eggermont
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, and Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Hu J, Cui J, Xu JJ, Yin X, Wu Y, Qi J. The Neural Mechanisms of Tinnitus: A Perspective From Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:621145. [PMID: 33642982 PMCID: PMC7905063 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.621145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus refers to sound perception in the absence of external sound stimulus. It has become a worldwide problem affecting all age groups especially the elderly. Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss and some mood disorders like depression and anxiety. The comprehensive adverse effects of tinnitus on people determine the severity of tinnitus. Understanding the mechanisms of tinnitus and related discomfort may be beneficial to the prevention and treatment, and then getting patients out of tinnitus distress. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a powerful technique for characterizing the intrinsic brain activity and making us better understand the tinnitus neural mechanism. In this article, we review fMRI studies published in recent years on the neuroimaging mechanisms of tinnitus. The results have revealed various neural network alterations in tinnitus patients, including the auditory system, limbic system, default mode network, attention system, and some other areas involved in memory, emotion, attention, and control. Moreover, changes in functional connectivity and neural activity in these networks are related to the perception, persistence, and severity of tinnitus. In summary, the neural mechanism of tinnitus is a complex regulatory mechanism involving multiple networks. Future research is needed to study these neural networks more accurately to refine the tinnitus models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinluan Cui
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin-Jing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xindao Yin
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanqing Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianwei Qi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Lan L, Li J, Chen Y, Chen W, Li W, Zhao F, Chen G, Liu J, Chen Y, Li Y, Wang CD, Zheng Y, Cai Y. Alterations of brain activity and functional connectivity in transition from acute to chronic tinnitus. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 42:485-494. [PMID: 33090584 PMCID: PMC7776005 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate alterations to brain activity and functional connectivity in patients with tinnitus, exploring neural features in the transition from acute to chronic phantom perception. Twenty‐four patients with acute tinnitus, 23 patients with chronic tinnitus, and 32 healthy controls were recruited. High‐density electroencephalography (EEG) was used to explore changes in brain areas and functional connectivity in different groups. When compared with healthy subjects, acute tinnitus patients had a significant reduction in superior frontal cortex activity across all frequency bands, whereas chronic tinnitus patients had a significant reduction in the superior frontal cortex at beta 3 and gamma frequency bands as well as a significant increase in the inferior frontal cortex at delta‐band and superior temporal cortex at alpha 1 frequency band. When compared to the chronic tinnitus group, the acute tinnitus group activity was significantly increased in the middle frontal and parietal gyrus at the gamma‐band. Functional connectivity analysis showed that the chronic tinnitus group had increased connections between the parahippocampus gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus when compared with the healthy group. Alterations of local brain activity and connections between the parahippocampus gyrus and other nonauditory areas appeared in the transition from acute to chronic tinnitus. This indicates that the appearance and development of tinnitus is a dynamic process involving aberrant local neural activity and abnormal connectivity in multifunctional brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Lan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiahong Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yanhong Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenrui Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy and Hearing Science, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK.,Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guisheng Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiahao Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanqing Li
- School of Automation Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang-Dong Wang
- School of Data and Computer Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuexin Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
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Ylikoski J, Markkanen M, Pirvola U, Lehtimäki JA, Ylikoski M, Jing Z, Sinkkonen ST, Mäkitie A. Stress and Tinnitus; Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation Attenuates Tinnitus-Triggered Stress Reaction. Front Psychol 2020; 11:570196. [PMID: 33041937 PMCID: PMC7527536 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.570196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tinnitus can become a strong stressor for some individuals, leading to imbalance of the autonomous nervous system with reduction of parasympathetic activity. It can manifest itself as sleep disturbances, anxiety and even depression. This condition can be reversed by bioelectrical vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). Conventional invasive VNS is an approved treatment for epilepsy and depression. Transcutaneous VNS (taVNS) stimulating the auricular branch of the vagus nerve has been shown to activate the vagal pathways similarly as an implanted VNS. Therefore, taVNS might also be a therapeutic alternative in health conditions such as tinnitus-related mental stress (TRMS). This retrospective study in 171 TRMS patients reports the clinical features, psychophysiological characteristics, and results of the heart rate variability (HRV) tests before and after test-taVNS. This study also reports the therapy outcomes of 113 TRMS patients treated with taVNS, in combination with standard tinnitus therapy. Methods Diagnostic tinnitus and hearing profiles were defined. To detect possible cardiac adverse effects, test-taVNS with heart rate monitoring as well as pre- and post-stimulation HRV tests were performed. Daily taVNS home therapy was prescribed thereafter. To assess therapeutic usefulness of taVNS, 1-year follow-up outcome was studied. Results of HRV tests were retrospectively analyzed and correlated to diagnostic data. Results The large majority of patients with TRMS suffer from associated symptoms such as sleep disturbances and anxiety. Baseline HRV data showed that more than three quarters of the 171 patients had increased sympathetic activity before test-taVNS. Test-taVNS shifted mean values of different HRV parameters toward increased parasympathetic activity in about 80% of patients. Test-taVNS did not cause any cardiac or other side effects. No significant adverse effects were reported in follow-up questionnaires. Conclusion TRMS is an example of a stress condition in which patients may benefit from taVNS. As revealed by HRV, test-taVNS improved parasympathetic function, most efficiently in patients with a low starting HRV level. Our tinnitus treatment program, including taVNS, effectively alleviated tinnitus stress and handicap. For wider clinical use, there is a great need for more knowledge about the optimal methodology and parameters of taVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Ylikoski
- Helsinki Ear Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Salustim Group Inc., Kempele, Finland.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marika Markkanen
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulla Pirvola
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Matti Ylikoski
- Helsinki Ear Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Salustim Group Inc., Kempele, Finland
| | - Zou Jing
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Center for Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery of Chinese PLA, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Saku T Sinkkonen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Cai Y, Xie M, Su Y, Tong Z, Wu X, Xu W, Li J, Zhao F, Dang C, Chen G, Lan L, Shen J, Zheng Y. Aberrant Functional and Causal Connectivity in Acute Tinnitus With Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:592. [PMID: 32714128 PMCID: PMC7340148 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The neural bases in acute tinnitus remains largely undetected. The objective of this study was to identify the alteration of the brain network involved in patients with acute tinnitus and hearing loss. Methods Acute tinnitus patients (n = 24) with hearing loss and age-, sex-, education-matched healthy controls (n = 21) participated in the current study and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. Regional homogeneity and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation were used to investigate the local spontaneous neural activity and functional connectivity (FC), and Granger causality analysis (GCA) was used to analyze the undirected and directed connectivity of brain regions. Results Compared with healthy subjects, acute tinnitus patients had a general reduction in FC between auditory and non-auditory brain regions. Based on FC analysis, the superior temporal gyrus (STG) revealed reduced undirected connectivity with non-auditory brain regions including the amygdala (AMYG), nucleus accumbens (NAc), the cerebellum, and postcentral gyrus (PoCG). Using the GCA algorithm, increased effective connectivity from the right AMYG to the right STG, and reduced connectivity from the right PoCG to the left NAc was observed in acute tinnitus patients with hearing loss. The pure-tone threshold was positively correlated with FC between the AMYG and STG, and negatively correlated with FC between the left NAc and the right PoCG. In addition, a negative association between the GCA value from the right PoCG to the left NAc and the THI scores was observed. Conclusion Acute tinnitus patients have aberrant FC strength and causal connectivity in both the auditory and non-auditory cortex, especially in the STG, AMYG, and NAc. The current findings will provide a new perspective for understanding the neuropathophysiological mechanism in acute tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingwei Xie
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaopeng Tong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy and Hearing Science, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiping Dang
- Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Psychology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guisheng Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Lan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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