scholarly journals Neurophysiological Effects of Chronic Indoor Environmental Toxic Mold Exposure on Children

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 281-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebere C. Anyanwu ◽  
Andrew W. Campbell ◽  
Aristo Vojdani
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potential ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Theta Wave ◽  
Delta Activity ◽  
Mold Exposure ◽  
The Right ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg ◽  
Conductive Hearing ◽  
The Brain

The phenomenon of building-related diseases is attracting much research interest in recent years because of the extent to which it affects people with compromised immune systems, especially children. In this study, we reported the neurological findings in children who attended our Center because of chronic exposure to toxic molds. Clinical neurological and neurobehavioral questionnaires were administered with the cooperation of the children�s parents. The children then underwent a series of neurophysiological tests including electroencephalogram (EEG), brainstem evoked potential (BAEP), visual evoked potential (VEP), and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP). The results showed high levels of abnormalities in the analysis of the subjective responses derived from the questionnaires. The EEG examination was abnormal in seven out of ten of the patients compared to the controls with only one in ten with episodes of bihemispheric sharp activity. In all the patients, there was frontotemporal theta wave ativity that seemed to indicate diffuse changes characteristic of metabolic encephalopathies. Also, there was highly marked 1 to 3 Hz delta activity that was asymmetrical in the right hemisphere of the brain in three out of ten patients. The waveforms of BAEP showed abnormalities in 90% of the patients with both 15’ and 31’ check sizes compared to none in the controls. There were significant delays in waveform V in a majority of the patients representing dysfunctional cognitive process and conductive hearing loss in both ears. VEP showed clear abnormalities in four in ten of the patients with P100 amplitudes and latencies decreased bilaterally. In all the patients, there was slowing of conduction in the right tibial at an average of 36.9 ms and there was significant decrease in amplitude of response at the proximal stimulation site. Sensory latencies obtained in the median, ulnar, and sural nerves bilaterally showed abnormalities in five out of ten compared to none in the controls. The median, ulnar, and sural sensory potentials were abnormal in six out of ten patients. There was prolongation of the median distal sensory latencies bilaterally at an average of 4.55 ms on the right and an average of 6.10 ms on the left as compared to the ulnars of 2.55 ms bilaterally. There was no abnormality in the controls. These findings represent evidence of diffuse polyneuropathy to which three patients demonstrated borderline slow motor conduction at an average of 41.1 ms. Overall, the objective neurophysiological measurements (EEG, BAEP, VEP, and SSEP) were abnormal, indicating significant neurological deficits in all the patients. Our findings revealed the extent to which toxic molds can affect the neurological and behavioral status of children. Further work should be encouraged in this regard.

scholarly journals Low-frequency electroencephalogram oscillations govern left-eye lateralization during anti-predatory responses in the music frog

2020 ◽  
Vol 223 (21) ◽  
pp. jeb232637
Author(s):  
Jiangyan Shen ◽  
Ke Fang ◽  
Ping Liu ◽  
Yanzhu Fan ◽  
Jing Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Left Visual Field ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Brain Area ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
The Right ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Steady Velocity

ABSTRACTVisual lateralization is widespread for prey and anti-predation in numerous taxa. However, it is still unknown how the brain governs this asymmetry. In this study, we conducted behavioral and electrophysiological experiments to evaluate anti-predatory behaviors and dynamic brain activities in Emei music frogs (Nidirana daunchina), to explore the potential eye bias for anti-predation and the underlying neural mechanisms. To do this, predator stimuli (a model snake head and a leaf as a control) were moved around the subjects in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions at steady velocity. We counted the number of anti-predatory responses and measured electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra for each band and brain area (telencephalon, diencephalon and mesencephalon). Our results showed that (1) no significant eye preferences could be found for the control (leaf); however, the laterality index was significantly lower than zero when the predator stimulus was moved anti-clockwise, suggesting that left-eye advantage exists in this species for anti-predation; (2) compared with no stimulus in the visual field, the power spectra of delta and alpha bands were significantly greater when the predator stimulus was moved into the left visual field anti-clockwise; and, (3) generally, the power spectra of each band in the right-hemisphere for the left visual field were higher than those in the left counterpart. These results support that the left eye mediates the monitoring of a predator in music frogs and lower-frequency EEG oscillations govern this visual lateralization.

scholarly journals FUNCTIONAL ASYMMETRY OF BRAIN HEMISPHERES IN ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Galina Albertovna Novikova ◽  
Andrey Gorgonyevich Solovyev
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Brain Cortex ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Functional Asymmetry ◽  
Brain Hemispheres ◽  
Delta Activity ◽  
The Right ◽  
Alcohol Users ◽  
The Brain

With the goal to study peculiarities of functional asymmetry of the brain hemispheres in alcohol dependence, there has been done an analysis of current research data from Russian and foreign studies. It has been shown that alcohol is a neurochemical modulator of interhemispheric relations, it affects functional asymmetry of the brain hemispheres, perception processes, changes emotional background, influences motor asymmetry, the brain cortex functional activity. Alcohol intoxication is described by the right hemisphere lateralization and a laterodeviation of the brain hemispheres’ functional asymmetry to the left hemisphere. Studies of adolescents with beer alcoholization have shown left sided laterodeviation of functional asymmetry with dominating left-sided lateralization of motor signs, increased delta activity of the brain biorhythms. The received data indicate a substantial breach of functional asymmetry in alcohol users, in what connection the breach involve the motor and sensory levels.

scholarly journals Depth Electrode Guided Anterior Insulectomy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Mandel ◽  
Layton Lamsam ◽  
Pue Farooque ◽  
Dennis Spencer ◽  
Eyiyemisi Damisah
Keyword(s):  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Epileptiform Activity ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Depth Electrodes ◽  
Depth Electrode ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Frontal Operculum ◽  
History Of ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg

Abstract The insula is well established as an epileptogenic area.1 Insular epilepsy surgery demands precise anatomic knowledge2-4 and tailored removal of the epileptic zone with careful neuromonitoring.5 We present an operative video illustrating an intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) depth electrode guided anterior insulectomy.  We report a 17-yr-old right-handed woman with a 4-yr history of medically refractory epilepsy. The patient reported daily nocturnal ictal vocalization preceded by an indescribable feeling. Preoperative evaluation was suggestive of a right frontal-temporal onset, but the noninvasive results were discordant. She underwent a combined intracranial EEG study with a frontal-parietal grid, with strips and depth electrodes covering the entire right hemisphere. Epileptiform activity was observed in contact 6 of the anterior insula electrode. The patient consented to the procedure and to the publication of her images.  A right anterior insulectomy was performed. First, a portion of the frontal operculum was resected and neuronavigation was used for the initial insula localization. However, due to unreliable neuronavigation (ie, brain shift), the medial and anterior borders of the insular resection were guided by the depth electrode reference. The patient was discharged 3 d after surgery with no neurological deficits and remains seizure free.  We demonstrate that depth electrode guided insular surgery is a safe and precise technique, leading to an optimal outcome.

Neurospect Findings in Patients Exposed to Neurotoxic Chemicals

1994 ◽  
Vol 10 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 561-571
Author(s):  
Gunnar Heuser ◽  
Ismael Mena ◽  
Francisca Alamos
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Psychiatric Symptomatology ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Parietal Lobes ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Brain

Exposures to neurotoxic chemicals such as pesticides, glues, solvents, etc. are known to induce neurologic and psychiatric symptomatology. We report on 41 patients 16 young patients (6 males, 10 females, age 34 8 yrs.) and 25 elderly patients (9 males, 16 females, age 55 7 yrs). Fifteen of them were exposed to pesticides, and 29 to solvents. They were studied with quantitative and qualitative analysis of regional cerebral bood flow (rCBF), performed with 30 mCi of Xe-133 by inhalation, followed by 30 mCi of Tc-HMPAO given intravenously. Imaging was performed with a brain dedicated system, distribution of rCBF was assessed with automatic ROI definition, and HMPAO was normalized to maximal pixel activity in the brain. Results of Xe rCBF are expressed as mean and S.D. in ml/min/100g, and HMPAO as mean and S.D. uptake per ROI, and compared with age-matched controls 10 young and 20 elderly individuals. Neurotoxics HMPAO Uptake Young Elderly R. Orbital frontal R. Dorsal frontal .70 .66 p < 0.05 R. Temporal .64 p < 0.001 R. Parietal .66 .66 We conclude that patients exposed to chemicals present with diminished CBF, worse in the right hemisphere, with random presentation of areas of hypoperfusion, more prevalent in the dorsal frontal and parietal lobes. These findings are significantly different from observations in patients with chronic fatigue and depression, suggesting primary cortical effect, possibly due to a vasculitis process.

Asymmetries of Sensory Functions (Spatial and Temporal Discrimination) in Normal Persons

1947 ◽  
Vol 93 (391) ◽  
pp. 318-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Fleischhacker
Keyword(s):  
Left Hemisphere ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Temporal Discrimination ◽  
Mental Symptoms ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Sensory Functions

Commenting on the different symptoms produced by disturbances of the left hemisphere (aphasia, apraxia, etc.) and of the right (dreamy states, hallucinations, etc.), Hughlings Jackson on many occasions pointed out that there exists a “duality” of the brain; the anterior parts of the left hemisphere serving more controlled and objective purposes, the posterior parts of the right more subjective† and the anterior parts of the right serving more automatic purposes. Consequently, quoting Bastian and Rosenthal to support him, he tendered the suggestion that “mental” symptoms might be indicative of a disturbance particularly of the posterior parts of the right hemisphere (in right-handed people).

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Technique with a Chronic Schizophrenic Patient

1990 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian G. Gale
Keyword(s):  
Schizophrenic Patient ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Occipital Region ◽  
Verbal Expression ◽  
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenic Patient ◽  
Neuropsychological Investigation ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Brain

Detailed neuropsychological investigation of a schizophrenic patient found a deficit in functions usually attributed to the left parieto-occipital region. Interventions designed to exercise the putatively left parieto-occipital functions (‘understanding the verbal expression of spatial relationships’) and to exercise putatively right hemisphere functions (exercises based on Edwards' — ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’) were compared. The patient demonstrated lowest levels of hallucinatory behaviour, aggressive verbal outbursts, and physical aggression during phases when right hemisphere exercises were programmed. Possible reasons for this outcome are examined.

Outcome of no resection after long-term subdural electroencephalography evaluation in children with epilepsy

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elia M. Pestana Knight ◽  
Tobias Loddenkemper ◽  
Deepak Lachhwani ◽  
Prakash Kotagal ◽  
Elaine Wyllie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Epileptogenic Zone ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Resection Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Right ◽  
Permanent Neurological Deficit

Object The aim of this study was to identify the reasons for and predictors of no resection of the epileptogenic zone in children with epilepsy who had undergone long-term invasive subdural grid electroencephalography (SDG-EEG) evaluation. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the consecutive medical records of children (< 19 years of age) who had undergone SDG-EEG evaluation over a 7-year period (1997–2004). To determine the predictors of no resection, the authors obtained the clinical characteristics and imaging and EEG findings of children who had no resection after long-term invasive SDG-EEG evaluation and compared these data with those in a group of children who did undergo resection. They describe the indications for SDG-EEG evaluation and the reasons for no resection in these patients. Results Of 66 children who underwent SDG-EEG evaluation, 9 (13.6%) did not undergo subsequent resection (no-resection group; 6 males). Of these 9 patients, 6 (66.7%) had normal neurological examinations and 5 (55.6%) had normal findings on brain MR imaging. Scalp video EEG localized epilepsy to the left hemisphere in 6 of the 9 patients and to the right hemisphere in 2; it was nonlocalizable in 1 of the 9 patients. Indications for SDG-EEG in the no-resection group were ictal onset zone (IOZ) localization (9 of 9 patients), motor cortex localization (5 of 9 patients), and language area localization (4 of 9 patients). Reasons for no resection after SDG-EEG evaluation were the lack of a well-defined IOZ in 5 of 9 patients (4 multifocal IOZs and 1 nonlocalizable IOZ) and anticipated new permanent postoperative neurological deficits in 7 of 9 patients (3 motor, 2 language, and 2 motor and language deficits). Comparison with the resection group (57 patients) demonstrated that postictal Todd paralysis in the dominant hand was the only variable seen more commonly (χ2 = 4.781, p = 0.029) in the no-resection group (2 [22.2%] of 9 vs 2 [3.5%] of 57 patients). The no-resection group had a larger number of SDG electrode contacts (mean 126. 5 ± 26.98) as compared with the resection group (100.56 ± 25.52; p = 0.010). There were no significant differences in the demographic data, seizure characteristics, scalp and invasive EEG findings, and imaging variables between the resection and no-resection groups. Conclusions Children who did not undergo resection of the epileptogenic zone after SDG-EEG evaluation were likely to have normal neurological examinations without preexisting neurological deficits, a high probability of a new unacceptable permanent neurological deficit following resection, or multifocal or nonlocalizable IOZs. In comparison with the group that underwent resection after SDG-EEG, a history of Todd paralysis in the dominant hand and arm was the only predictor of no resection following SDG-EEG evaluation. Data in this study will help to better select pediatric patients for SDG-EEG and to counsel families prior to epilepsy surgery.

scholarly journals Neural Basis of Depression Related to a Dominant Right Hemisphere: A Resting-State fMRI Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Li ◽  
Hongpei Xu ◽  
Shengfu Lu
Keyword(s):  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Middle Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Middle Temporal ◽  
Middle Occipital Gyrus ◽  
The Right ◽  
Depressive Patients ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Left Middle

Background. In the past, studies on the lateralization of the left and right hemispheres of the brain suggested that depression is dominated by the right hemisphere of the brain, but the neural basis of this theory remains unclear. Method. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed in 22 depressive patients and 15 healthy controls. The differences in the mean values of the regional homogeneity (ReHo) of two groups were compared, and the low-frequency amplitudes of these differential brain regions were compared. Results. The results show that compared with healthy subjects, depressive patients had increased ReHo values in the right superior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, triangular part of the right inferior frontal gyrus, orbital part of the right inferior frontal gyrus, right superior occipital gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, bilateral anterior cingulate, and paracingulate gyri; reduced ReHo values were seen in the right fusiform gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, left lingual gyrus, and left inferior parietal except in the supramarginal and angular gyri. Conclusions. The results show that regional homogeneity mainly occurs in the right brain, and the overall performance of the brain is such that right hemisphere synchronization is enhanced while left hemisphere synchronization is weakened. ReHo abnormalities in the resting state can predict abnormalities in individual neurological activities that reflect changes in the structure and function of the brain; abnormalities shown with this indicator are the neuronal basis for the phenomenon that the right hemisphere of the brain has a dominant effect on depression.

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