Tabriz University of Medical Sciences BioImpacts 2228-5652 8 4 2018 07 30 An fMRI investigation of the neural correlates underlying the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) 295 304 10.15171/bi.2018.32 EN Bryson C. Lochte Sean A Guillory Craig A. H. Richard William M. Kelley Journal Article 10.15171/bi.2018.32 2018 04 30 2018 06 08 Introduction: The "autonomous sensory meridian response" (ASMR) is a neologism used to describe an internal sensation of deep relaxation and pleasant head tingling which is often stimulated by gentle sounds, light touch, and personal attention. Methods: An fMRI-based methodology was employed to examine the brain activation of subjects prescreened for ASMR-receptivity (n=10) as they watched ASMR videos and identified specific moments of relaxation and tingling. Results: Subjects who experienced ASMR showed significant activation in regions associated with both reward (NAcc) and emotional arousal (dACC and Insula/IFG). Brain activation during ASMR showed similarities to patterns previously observed in musical frisson as well as affiliative behaviors. Conclusion: This is the first study to measure the activation of various brain regions during ASMR and these results may help to reveal the mechanistic underpinnings of this sensation.