An electrophysiological link between the cerebellum, cognition and emotion: Frontal theta EEG activity to single-pulse cerebellar TMS

Early intracranial electrical stimulation studies in animals demonstrated cerebellar connectivity to brain structures involved in cognitive and emotive functions. Human electrophysiological data to support cerebellum involvement in the latter functions are however lacking. In the present study, electrophysiological responses were recorded to single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the vermis in healthy human volunteers. Increased theta activity was observed after single-pulse vermis TMS as compared to sham and occipital TMS. Both animal and human research relate theta activity with the septo-hippocampal complex, an important brain structure involved in cognition and emotion. The present electrophysiological study supports the earlier intracranial electrical stimulation findings by demonstrating cerebellar involvement in the modulation of the core frequencies related to cognitive and emotive aspects of human behavior.