Cortical Activation Changes Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): Initial Case Report

Sahar  Seifzadeh; Ebrahim  Moghimi; Fatemeh  Torkamani; Negar  Ahsant

doi:10.18502/fbt.v8i1.5860

Sahar Seifzadeh Young Researchers and Elite Club, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
Ebrahim Moghimi Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioal Science, Shiraz University of Medical Science , Shiraz, Iran
Fatemeh Torkamani Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Negar Ahsant Ebn-e Sina Psychiatric Hospital, Shiraz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fbt.v8i1.5860

Keywords: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response; Cortical Activity; Quantitative Electroencephalography; Power Spectra; Case Report.

Abstract

The Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a unique phenomenon to provoke a sense of relaxation that has been proposed for a few years. This phenomenon suggests acoustic-visual stimuli for cultivating a peaceful environment for the mind as well as a tingling sensation. Some studies suggest that this phenomenon is comparable with mindfulness; surprisingly, published articles in this regard are growing increasingly to examine how it happens scientifically. Some studies have been done on neuroimaging techniques, including functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), biological methods such as heart rate and skin conductance, and questionnaires to assess the impact of ASMR videos. In this paper, we intend to determine the effect of ASMR videos on EEG signals. The FFT absolute power analysis (Pre versus Post ASMR) revealed a declined delta band power generally. On the other hand, there are no significant changes in theta band power. The central region demonstrated a rise in alpha band power as well as a slight decrease in the occipital region. Moreover, such an increase was evident in post-ASMR in the beta1 (Sensorimotor wave (12-15 Hz)) band frequency, generally, especially in the frontal region. Besides, Gamma 1 has been increased in the central region, and Gamma 2 has also be increased in frontoparietal regions in both hemispheres. These results indicate the cognitive process as well as sensorimotor, tingling sensations features of ASMR.