A functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the autonomous sensory meridian response.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a sensory-emotional experience in which specific stimuli (ASMR "triggers") elicit tingling sensations on the scalp, neck, and shoulders; these sensations are accompanied by a positive affective state. In the current research, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in order to delineate the neural substrates of these responses.

Methods

A total of 17 individuals with ASMR and 17 age- and sex-matched control participants underwent fMRI scanning while watching six 4-minute videos. Three of the videos were designed to elicit ASMR tingling and three videos were not.

Results

The results demonstrated that ASMR videos have a distinct effect on the neural activity of individuals with ASMR. The contrast of

SUBMITTER: Smith SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6590446 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature