Tourette's Syndrome as a vehicle in the search for the neural correlates of consciousness.

Brain imaging of people with Tourette's Syndrome who consciously control premonitory urges shows that the non-language dominant prefrontal part of the frontal operculum in the inferior frontal gyrus and the anterior insular cortex are involved in tic inhibition and decision-making. These regions also appear important for intention, volitional control, self-awareness, perception of tangible reality, and attentional selectivity, suggesting they may be part of the neural correlates of consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The neurological underpinnings of Tourette's Syndrome offer an avenue to identify the neural correlates of consciousness. Neuroimaging of Tourette's Syndrome patients during the volitional control of premonitory urges highlight the involvement of the non-language dominant prefrontal portion of the frontal operculum of the inferior frontal gyrus and the anterior insular cortex in tic inhibition and decision-making processes. Further studies reveal these regions are crucial for intention, volitional control, self-awareness, perception of tangible reality, and attentional selectivity, suggesting their potential role in the neural correlates of consciousness.