Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
07:04
Virtual Reality Tools for Assessing Unilateral Spatial Neglect: A Novel Opportunity for Data Collection
Published on: March 10, 2021
4.6K
Recovery from Spatial Neglect with Intra- and Transhemispheric Functional Connectivity Changes in Vestibular and
Julian Conrad1,2, Rainer Boegle2,3, Matthias Ertl1,3
1Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.
Frontiers in Neurology
|March 20, 2018
Summary
Caloric vestibular stimulation temporarily improves spatial neglect by altering brain connectivity. Long-term recovery involves similar but distinct neural network changes, highlighting vestibular and visual system roles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Vestibular System Research
Background:
- Vestibular signals are crucial for spatial orientation and higher cortical functions.
- Vestibular dysfunction is linked to spatial neglect, a condition potentially treatable with caloric stimulation.
- The precise roles of vestibular and visual systems in neglect recovery remain unclear.
Observation:
- Resting-state functional connectivity (fc) MRI was used to study a patient with hemispatial neglect.
- Data were collected during the acute phase and 6 months post-recovery, before and after caloric vestibular stimulation.
- Analysis focused on seed regions in the vestibular (OP2), parietal (PPC), and visual cortex (VC).
Findings:
- Acute caloric stimulation increased right OP2 connectivity within the vestibular network and reduced interhemispheric visual cortex connectivity.
- After 6 months, spontaneous vestibular network connectivity increased, alongside enhanced connections between vestibular, parietal, and visual cortices.
- Short-term improvement involved increased vestibular network connectivity to the para-hippocampus and anterior cingulum, with reduced interhemispheric visual cortex connectivity.
Implications:
- Caloric stimulation offers a transient mechanism for improving spatial orientation in neglect.
- Long-term neglect recovery involves overlapping yet distinct neural mechanisms compared to acute stimulation effects.
- Understanding these distinct pathways can inform therapeutic strategies for spatial neglect and related disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Functions of Connective Tissues
17.1K
Connective tissues perform a broad range of functions in the body. Their primary function is to connect and link different tissues in the body and act as packaging material between tissues. The areolar tissue, a connective tissue prototype, commonly cements various tissue types in diverse body organs. In contrast, adipose tissue cushions internal organs while insulating the body from heat loss.
Hard connective tissues, such as bones and cartilage, provide structure and support to the body.
Hard connective tissues, such as bones and cartilage, provide structure and support to the body.
17.1K
01:29The Vestibular System
44.0K
The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.
44.0K
01:23Dietary Connections
62.2K
In biological systems, most metabolic pathways are interconnected. The cellular respiration processes that convert glucose to ATP—such as glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle—tie into those that break down other organic compounds. As a result, various foods—from apples to cheese to guacamole—end up as ATP. In addition to carbohydrates, food also contains proteins and lipids—such as cholesterol and fats. All of these organic compounds are used...
62.2K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
9.5K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
9.5K
01:11Introduction to Connective Tissues
15.3K
Connective tissues are one of the four main tissue types in humans that are extensively present in the body. They are characterized by cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of a ground substance and three main types of protein fibers— collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. The ground substance of connective tissues can range from a watery and jelly-like consistency to mineralized and hard. The wide variety of cells in the connective tissues include fibroblasts,...
15.3K
01:30Classification of Connective Tissues
16.3K
The connective tissues have different properties and functions in the human body. They are broadly categorized into proper, supporting, or fluid connective tissues.
Connective Tissue Proper
Connective tissue proper is the most abundant class of connective tissues. As its name implies, it predominantly connects different tissues in the body. Depending on the cell types, ground substance, viscosity, and fiber types in the ECM, connective tissue proper is further categorized into loose and dense....
Connective Tissue Proper
Connective tissue proper is the most abundant class of connective tissues. As its name implies, it predominantly connects different tissues in the body. Depending on the cell types, ground substance, viscosity, and fiber types in the ECM, connective tissue proper is further categorized into loose and dense....
16.3K