neuroimaging Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the primary regions of the brain affected by cannabis use during adolescence?
Cannabis use during adolescence affects the hippocampus, amygdala, and pre-frontal cortex, which are involved in memory, emotional regulation, and cognitive function.
How does cannabis use impact grey matter volume (GMV) in the brain?
Cannabis use is linked to increased grey matter volume (GMV), particularly in the hippocampus, amygdala, and pre-frontal cortex, potentially disrupting normal brain development processes like synaptic pruning.
What is synaptic pruning, and how is it affected by cannabis use?
Synaptic pruning is the process where the brain eliminates unnecessary neural connections. Cannabis use during critical developmental periods can disrupt this process, leading to potential cognitive and emotional issues.
Which areas of the brain are most activated during cannabis use?
Cannabis use is associated with increased activity in the reward areas, particularly the striatum, and decreased activity in cognitive control areas like the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate.
How does cannabis use affect brain connectivity in terms of cognition and emotion?
Cannabis use disrupts the brain’s cognitive control, leading to difficulties with decision-making, emotional regulation, and cognitive processing, as well as altering the functional connectivity between prefrontal cortex and other brain regions.
What neuroimaging method is typically used to observe cortical deficits in amblyopia?
fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) is commonly used to observe cortical deficits in amblyopia, specifically looking at reduced activity in the visual cortex (V1) and higher-order visual areas.
How does amblyopia affect visual processing in the brain?
Amblyopia leads to neural disarray, which can affect low-level visual processing in areas like V1 and higher-order cortical regions responsible for processing complex stimuli like faces and objects.
What changes are seen in the occipito-temporal cortex of individuals with amblyopia?
Individuals with amblyopia often show reduced neural activity in the occipito-temporal cortex, which is responsible for processing more complex visual stimuli such as object recognition and face processing.
What neuroimaging technique is used to detect visual deficits in individuals with amblyopia?
Neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI, MEG (magnetoencephalography), and PET scans are used to study visual deficits and cortical activity in individuals with amblyopia, especially when viewing complex stimuli.
What are the primary cortical areas affected by amblyopia?
Amblyopia affects V1 (primary visual cortex) as well as higher-order areas like the occipito-temporal cortex, which is important for complex visual processing.
How does early intervention impact the outcomes of amblyopia?
Early intervention in amblyopia (before the age of 9) is crucial for better outcomes, particularly with treatments such as occlusion therapy, vision therapy, and refractive correction.
What is the role of fMRI in understanding amblyopia?
fMRI helps in assessing cortical activity and functional connectivity in amblyopia. It shows reduced neural responses in the primary visual cortex (V1) when the amblyopic eye is used, indicating abnormal visual processing.
How does cannabis use affect brain development in adolescents?
Cannabis use during adolescence can disrupt brain development, particularly in regions involved in memory, cognition, and emotional regulation, potentially leading to long-term effects on learning and mental health.
How is neuroimaging used to assess the effects of substance use, like cannabis, on the brain?
Neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, PET scans, and MEG are used to observe changes in brain structure, activity, and connectivity, helping to identify regions affected by substance use, such as the pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus in cannabis users.
What neuroimaging findings are associated with strabismic amblyopia?
strabismic amblyopia is associated with reduced neural activity in the primary visual cortex (V1) and abnormal processing in higher-order cortical areas such as the occipito-temporal cortex. This is observed using fMRI and other functional imaging techniques
What are the main neuroimaging techniques used in studying brain function related to visual processing?
Common neuroimaging techniques used for studying visual processing include:
fMRI: Measures brain activity through blood flow.
MEG: Detects magnetic fields produced by neural activity.
PET: Measures brain metabolism and glucose uptake.
What is the relationship between brain structure and function in the context of cannabis use and cognitive decline?
Cannabis use can alter brain structure, particularly in the pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus, leading to impaired cognitive function and emotional regulation. Neuroimaging studies reveal decreased brain volume and altered functional connectivity in these regions.
How do functional brain imaging studies contribute to understanding amblyopia treatment?
Functional brain imaging studies like fMRI and MEG help understand how amblyopia affects visual processing areas and guide treatments by showing which cortical areas are most affected. This can help inform targeted therapy like occlusion therapy and vision training.
How does neuroimaging inform treatment strategies for amblyopia?
Neuroimaging reveals the underlying cortical deficits in amblyopia, which can be used to optimise treatment strategies, such as occlusion therapy and binocular training, by targeting affected brain areas.
How does neuroimaging impact the understanding of functional brain changes during adolescence and substance use?
Neuroimaging helps identify functional brain changes during adolescence, showing how substance use like cannabis affects brain maturation and cognitive processes, especially in memory, attention, and emotional regulation.
