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Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Abnormal late visual responses and alpha oscillations in neurofibromatosis type 1: a link to visual and attention deficits

Authors: Maria J Ribeiro, Otília C d’Almeida, Fabiana Ramos, Jorge Saraiva, Eduardo D Silva, Miguel Castelo-Branco

Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) affects several areas of cognitive function including visual processing and attention. We investigated the neural mechanisms underlying the visual deficits of children and adolescents with NF1 by studying visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and brain oscillations during visual stimulation and rest periods.

Methods

Electroencephalogram/event-related potential (EEG/ERP) responses were measured during visual processing (NF1 n = 17; controls n = 19) and idle periods with eyes closed and eyes open (NF1 n = 12; controls n = 14). Visual stimulation was chosen to bias activation of the three detection mechanisms: achromatic, red-green and blue-yellow.

Results

We found significant differences between the groups for late chromatic VEPs and a specific enhancement in the amplitude of the parieto-occipital alpha amplitude both during visual stimulation and idle periods. Alpha modulation and the negative influence of alpha oscillations in visual performance were found in both groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest abnormal later stages of visual processing and enhanced amplitude of alpha oscillations supporting the existence of deficits in basic sensory processing in NF1. Given the link between alpha oscillations, visual perception and attention, these results indicate a neural mechanism that might underlie the visual sensitivity deficits and increased lapses of attention observed in individuals with NF1.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Abnormal late visual responses and alpha oscillations in neurofibromatosis type 1: a link to visual and attention deficits
Authors
Maria J Ribeiro
Otília C d’Almeida
Fabiana Ramos
Jorge Saraiva
Eduardo D Silva
Miguel Castelo-Branco
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1866-1947
Electronic ISSN: 1866-1955
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1866-1955-6-4

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