Many neuroscientists devote their research to schizophrenia, one of the more debilitating neurological diseases. Recent innovations in neurotechnology (EEG, rTMS, etc), provide researchers with great tools to further examine abnormalities inside the schizophrenic brain. In this particular case I focus on the significant deficits in intracortical inhibition (ICI) in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia.
In a study by Pascual-Leone et al, 14 right-handed schizophrenics, 7 of whom were unmedicated, were compared with 7 right-handed, normal control subjects. The testing used paired-pulse TMS technology. According to the research, the results show that the medicated schizophrenics displayed “5% higher motor thresholds in both hemispheres” in comparison to unmedicated schizophrenics and the control group. The normal control group had an approximately “10% higher threshold for the left than right hemisphere, whereas the opposite was true for the patient groups (5-10% higher threshold on the right than left).” Schizophrenic patients receiving medication displayed considerably decreased ICI in relation to the unmedicated and control groups. Furthermore, this decrease was more distinct in the right hemisphere. The researchers conclude from this study what treatment with “conventional neuroleptics* is associated with increased motor threshold and decreased intracortical inhibition.” Meanwhile, unmedicated patients displayed no difference from normal control group in this realm. The main conclusion is that schizophrenia may be “characterized by a reversed pattern in interhemispheric corticospinal excitability.”
These findings demonstrate how left-hemisphere abnormality in schizophrenics, specifically in the motor cortex, can be measured through TMS, and thus specific treatment can ensue. Considering the social debilitations schizophrenics suffer from, it is evident that advances in neuro-technology have and will continue to improve the life quality and functionality of those with this disease. Hopefully, these developments will allow for fewer in-patients and institutionalizing of schizophrenics, freeing up needed space and lowering medical costs.
*Neuroleptic= tranquilizing psychiatric medication used to treat psychosis.
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