Correlation between memory performance and changes in structural MRI in patients with epilepsy associated with unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis

• Grant number: 14/12765-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2014
• End date: September 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Henrique Martins Castro
• Grantee: Caio Henrique Zacchi Martucci
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The temporal lobe epilepsy associated with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis is the most prevalent form of focal epilepsy and is associated with cognitive impairment, particularly regarding to memory. In addition, different patterns of memory deficits are specifically associated with lesions of each cerebral hemisphere, with impairments of verbal and nonverbal memory associated with left and right injuries, respectively. This pattern of memory lateralization according to its material is the basis of the concept of the material-specific memory and these reported marterial-specific impairments are well known in the international literature. However, there are few studies about the association between changes in volumetry and white matter and the different stages required for the integrity of memory (learning and evocation). This study aims to verify the presence of the association using Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging and neuropsychological tests. The study involves data obtained from 60 patients with epilepsy associated with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis and 30 controls.