Neural Signatures of Processing the Temporal Features of Auditory Events: From Preterm Infancy to Adulthood

Premature neonates are able to discriminate phonemes and voice from 28wGA at a time the neuronal network establish contact between the environment and the cortical neurones. In the present monocentric study the investigators will analyse the response of the cortical network in premature aged between 25 and 36 wGA in response to auditory stimuli using High Resolution Electroencephalography and High Density Near Infrared Spectroscopy.

Neurodevelopmental disorders may be related to functional or structural disruption of the neuronal network organization at an early stage or later in the course of development. The disruption of the initial set-up could partially explain the prevalence of neurodevelopmental risks due to prematurity. The development period between 25 and 33 wGA corresponds to the period of very great prematurity and represents a key period of neurodevelopment in terms of structural and functional establishment of neuronal networks. One way to address the functionality of the neuronal networks is to evaluate the neural response to the exogenous stimuli and to interpret the mechanisms and the developmental status of the network in their ability to develop appropriate responses.