Speech Tasks for Understanding Brain Processing of Language
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The overall goal of this study is to reveal the fundamental neural mechanisms that underlie comprehension across human spoken languages. An understanding of how speech is coded in the brain has significant implications for the development of new diagnostic and rehabilitative strategies for language disorders (e.g. aphasia, dyslexia, autism, et alia). The basic mechanisms underlying comprehension of spoken language are unknown. Researchers are only beginning to understand how the human brain extracts the most fundamental linguistic elements (consonants and vowels) from a complex and highly variable acoustic signal. Traditional theories have posited a 'universal' phonetic inventory shared by all humans, but this has been challenged by other newer theories that each language has its own unique and specialized code. An investigation of the cortical representation of speech sounds across languages can likely shed light on this fundamental question. Previous research has implicated the superior temporal cortex in the processing of speech sounds. Most of this work has been entirely carried out in English. The recording of neural activity directly from the cortical surface from individuals with different language experience is a promising approach since it can provide both high spatial and temporal resolution. This study will examine the mechanisms of phonetic encoding, by utilizing neurophysiological recordings obtained during neurosurgical procedures. High-density electrode arrays, advanced signal processing, and direct electrocortical stimulation will be utilized to unravel both local and population encoding of speech sounds in the lateral temporal cortex. This study will also examine the neural encoding of speech in patients who are monolingual and bilingual in Mandarin, Spanish, and English, the most common spoken languages worldwide, and feature important contrastive differences of pitch, formant, and temporal envelope. A cross-linguistic approach is critical for a true understanding of language, while also striving to achieve a broader approach of diversity and inclusion in neuroscience of language.
Research Team
Edward F Chang, MD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals at UCSF with epilepsy or brain tumors who are undergoing surgery involving electrode implantation. They must be able to perform study tasks and have electrodes in at least two key brain areas. Those unable to consent, with significant cerebral lesions, or cognitive deficits that prevent task completion cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intraoperative Procedure
Participants undergo intraoperative procedures where ECoG signals are recorded during speech tasks
Inpatient Hospitalization
Participants are hospitalized for further ECoG signal recording during speech tasks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after procedures
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Speech Tasks
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
University of California, Berkeley
Collaborator
The University of Hong Kong
Collaborator
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborator
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Collaborator