A role for the inferior colliculus in multisensory speech integration

Neuroreport. 2006 Oct 23;17(15):1607-10. doi: 10.1097/01.wnr.0000236856.93586.94.

Abstract

Multisensory integration can occur at relatively low levels within the central nervous system. Recent evidence suggests that multisensory audio-visual integration for speech may have a subcortical component, as acoustic processing in the human brainstem is influenced by lipreading during speech perception. Here, stimuli depicting the McGurk illusion (a demonstration of auditory-visual integration using speech stimuli) were presented to a 12-year-old child (FX) with a circumscribed unilateral lesion of the right inferior colliculus. When McGurk-type stimuli were presented in the contralesional hemifield, illusory perception reflecting bimodal integration was significantly reduced compared with the ipsilesional hemifield and a group of age-matched controls. These data suggest a functional role for the inferior colliculus in the audio-visual integration of speech stimuli.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation / methods
  • Adolescent
  • Auditory Perceptual Disorders / physiopathology
  • Brain Mapping
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inferior Colliculi / physiology*
  • Male
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Speech Perception / physiology*
  • Speech*
  • Visual Fields / physiology
  • Visual Perception / physiology*