The Effect of Prism Adaptation on EEG-markers of Spatial Attention

Abstract

Prism adaptation to a leftward optical deviation has been considered as a method to produce neglect-like symptoms in healthy subjects. There has been discussion whether these effects can be explained by sensorimotor effects, influence on perception or attention. Using EEG-recordings during a spatial attention task, this study compares ERPs and alpha lateralization before prism adaptation and after prism adaptation in healthy subjects. After prism adaptation there was a significant increase in alpha power, but it is unsure if this is directly caused by prism adaptation. Collectively, the results did not reliably confirm any effects on brain signals after prism adaptation, mainly due to low sample size. With machine learning the EEG-markers are studied on single trial level by comparing predictions based on classification using alpha with predictions based on classification using ERPs. Both, but especially alpha, showed a classification rate significantly better than chance.