Thalamic lesions and consciousness
What happens following injury to the thalamus? In this case study Edelstyn, Hunter & Ellis demonstrate a patient with dorsolateral thalamic damage with specific deficits in conscious processing. Bilateral dorsolateral thalamic lesions disrupts conscious recollection Nicola M.J. Edelstyn, Ben Hunter and Simon J. EllisNeuropsychologiaVolume 44, Issue 6 , 2006, Pages 931-938 Abstract In an earlier […]
What happens following injury to the thalamus? In this case study Edelstyn, Hunter & Ellis demonstrate a patient with dorsolateral thalamic damage with specific deficits in conscious processing.
Bilateral dorsolateral thalamic lesions disrupts conscious recollection
Nicola M.J. Edelstyn, Ben Hunter and Simon J. Ellis
Neuropsychologia
Volume 44, Issue 6 , 2006, Pages 931-938
Abstract
In an earlier study we disputed the claim that the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus is critical for familiarity. We reported patient (QX) who showed a severe deficit in conscious recollection, and behavioural problems (disinhibition, emotional lability) with relative sparing of familiarity-aware memory following a left mediodorsal thalamic lesion. More recent MR imaging has revealed that QX’s lesions are more extensive than previously reported and involve both dorsolateral thalamic nuclei, and whilst there is evidence of left mediodorsal thalamic damage, it is not the main focus of damage. This paper reports a full analysis of QX’s thalamic pathology alongside a more detailed investigation of his recognition memory, using yes/no and forced-choice procedures, and executive function.
