Using ultrasound thalamotomy as an opportunity to understand the contributions of the human thalamus to decision making and lear University of Dundee

Overview

MR guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy provides a unique opportunity to study the effect of this procedure on the cognitive thalamic nuclei. With this Using ultrasound thalamotomy as an opportunity to understand the contributions of the human thalamus to decision making and lear ning project at University of Dundee , by studying the effects of MRgFUS thalamotomy on decision making using cognitive neuroscience paradigms and computational models of decision making, this project aims at elucidating the discrete contributions of different thalamic nuclei and their cortical connectivity on goal directed learning.

Context

The contribution of the human thalamic nuclei to decision making are poorly understood and a focus of considerable interest given their routine use as safe targets for functional neurosurgery in tremor and Parkinson's disease. Understanding whether neuromodulation (e.g. Deep Brain Stimulation) of the thalamus can be used for non-motor symptom control (eg. apathy, impulsivity or cognitive impairment) using relies upon mapping of the functional contribution of thalamic nuclei onto their role in human behaviour.