An overview of the tinnitus network activity and its clinical implications

Abstract

Background and Aim: Tinnitus, the phantom perception of sound, in which many cortical and subcortical areas are involved has become one of the popular subjects of neuroscience research. Neuroimaging studies have introduced the tinnitus network model to explain the involvement of auditory and non-auditory areas in this perception. In such a model, the cognitive and emotional aspects of tinnitus can be interpreted conveniently. Therefore, this paper aimed to review the neural basis of tinnitus networks, including data from neuroimaging studies, and discuss the clinical implication of this concept, as well.Recent Findings: The data from neuroimaging studies were reviewed and discussed in order to complete the overall image of tinnitus network and its correlates such as the distress network, attentional network and other cognitive mechanisms. In addition to the auditory system, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were considered to be important hubs in tinnitus distress network, especially for having important connectivity with the other networks like attention and salience networks. Moreover, the top-down control of DLPFC over the other brain areas was regarded as the most important brain area to be targeted using the non-invasive interventions and the results were compelling.Conclusion: Understanding the network model has helped in optimizing the neuromodulation protocols like electrical stimulation techniques. Thus, the clinical implications of this model can be generalized to the other types of treatments and the outcomes might be satisfying.