Development of three-dimensional time reversal algorithm to locate tinnitus-related hyperactive neurons

Abstract

This paper aims at developing 3-D time reversal (TR) algorithm to locate the positions of tinnitus-related neural activities inside the brain auditory pathways, including the auditory cortex (AC), inferior colliculus (IC), and dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), which have been implicated in the etiology of tinnitus. Spontaneous neural network signals will be measured by using multichannel electrode arrays that are implanted on the AC, IC, and DCN of adult Sprague Dawley rats and be taken as input to this TR algorithm. To specify the speeds at which neural signals are traveling through the brain auditory pathways, benchmark tests will be conducted, in which electrical stimulations at pre-determined positions in the AC, IC, and DCN will be used, and the corresponding responses be measured. Once this is done, the precise locations of hyperactivity that is responsible for tinnitus perception can be determined by using TR algorithm to scan through the brain auditory pathways. Note that this 3-D time reversal algorithm will allow for tracing neurons into deeper layers of the AC, IC, and DCN, provided that the electrode arrays are implanted in strategically placed in space. Numerical simulations and preliminary experimental results will be presented.