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Eye-Tracking Control to Assess Cognitive Functions in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: October 13, 2016
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Reduced Occipital Cortex Excitability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Bülent Cengiz1,2, Halit Fidancı1,2, Hande Baltacı1
1Department of Neurology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; and.
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the visual cortex, reducing occipital excitability. This suggests sensory involvement in ALS, independent of motor cortex changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is known to involve motor cortex dysfunction.
- Sensory abnormalities, including occipital cortex alterations, are increasingly recognized in ALS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in occipital excitability in patients with ALS.
- To explore the relationship between occipital excitability and sensory processing in ALS.
Main Methods:
- Phosphene threshold and experience were measured to assess occipital excitability in 21 ALS patients and 16 healthy controls.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised.
Main Results:
- Phosphene experience was significantly lower in ALS patients (42.9%) compared to controls (81.3%).
- No significant difference was found in the mean phosphene threshold between groups.
- Occipital excitability did not correlate with motor cortical excitability or cognitive scores.
Conclusions:
- Occipital excitability is reduced in ALS, indicating visual cortex involvement.
- This reduction is independent of motor cortical excitability, supporting sensory pathway dysfunction in ALS.
