The brain under self-control: modulation of inhibitory and monitoring cortical networks during hypnotic paralysis

Cojan, Yann; Waber, Lakshmi; Schwartz, Sophie; Rossier, Laurent; Forster, Alain; Vuilleumier, Patrik

doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2009.05.021

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The brain under self-control: modulation of inhibitory and monitoring cortical networks during hypnotic paralysis

Cojan, Yann Department of Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Geneva, Switzerland - Center for Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Switzerland
Waber, Lakshmi Department of Addiction, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
Schwartz, Sophie Department of Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Geneva, Switzerland - Center for Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Switzerland
Rossier, Laurent Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Forster, Alain Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
Vuilleumier, Patrik Department of Neuroscience, University Medical School, University of Geneva, Switzerland - Center for Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Switzerland

25.06.2009

Published in:

Neuron. - 2009, vol. 62, no. 6, p. 862-875

English Brain mechanisms of hypnosis are poorly known. Cognitive accounts proposed that executive attentional systems may cause selective inhibition or disconnection of some mental operations. To assess motor and inhibitory brain circuits during hypnotic paralysis, we designed a go-nogo task while volunteers underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in three conditions: normal state, hypnotic left-hand paralysis, and feigned paralysis. Preparatory activation arose in right motor cortex despite left hypnotic paralysis, indicating preserved motor intentions, but with concomitant increases in precuneus regions that normally mediate imagery and self-awareness. Precuneus also showed enhanced functional connectivity with right motor cortex. Right frontal areas subserving inhibition were activated by nogo trials in normal state and by feigned paralysis, but irrespective of motor blockade or execution during hypnosis. These results suggest that hypnosis may enhance self-monitoring processes to allow internal representations generated by the suggestion to guide behavior but does not act through direct motor inhibition.

Faculty

Faculté des lettres et des sciences humaines

Department

Département de Psychologie

Language