Date of Award
Summer 2007
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
DeYoe, Edgar A.
Second Advisor
Ropella, Kristina M.
Third Advisor
Remler, Bernd
Abstract
The overall goal of this project is to develop a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) application for the assessment of brain-related visual pathology in humans. Brain-related pathologies such as tumors, trauma, stroke, arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) that affect the visual cortex may lead to visual impairments such as complete or partial blindness. In virtually all cases we lack a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between pathology, cortical dysfunction and sensory impairment. Patients with visual cortex maladies may experience partial blindness as restricted scotomata (isolated areas of diminished vision) within the field of view where contrast sensitivity may be reduced or absent. These zones of reduced sensitivity may be recoverable, so accurately detecting them may be important. In addition, preservation of intact cortical function is important in planning invasive treatment of tumors and operable pathologies. Psychophysical / behavioral techniques have been successful in diagnosing diseases that cause visual impairment, but they are of limited use for pre-surgical planning since they do not identify specific brain tissue that may be at risk. Thus, establishing methods that link behavior with fMRI activation in the brain potentially can be of great assistance in neurosurgery and clinical diagnosis. The aim of this study is to establish an fMRI correlate of impaired visual sensitivity in cases of brain pathology. We will be using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate the relationship between perception and cortical activity. The long range goal of our lab is to assess the effect of brain-related pathologies on the brain mechanisms underlying visual sensitivity.
Recommended Citation
Sanghvi, Namita H., "Correlating Behavior-based Assessment of Visual Testing with Functional Neuroimaging of the Human Visual Cortex" (2007). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4163.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4163