Propofol disrupts alpha dynamics in distinct thalamocortical networks underlying sensory and cognitive function during loss of consciousness

During propofol-induced general anesthesia, alpha rhythms undergo a striking shift from posterior to anterior, termed anteriorization. We combined human intracranial recordings with diffusion imaging to show that anteriorization occurs with opposing dynamics in two distinct thalamocortical subnetworks. The cortical and thalamic anatomy involved, as well as their known functional roles, suggest multiple means by which propofol dismantles sensory and cognitive processes to achieve loss of consciousness.