Abstract #0579
Top Down Influence on the Visual Cortex of the Blind During Auditory Sensory Substitution
Matthew C. Murphy 1,2 , Christopher Fisher 1 , Seong-Gi Kim 2,3 , Joel S. Schuman 1 , Amy C. Nau 1 , and Kevin C. Chan 1,2
1
Department of Ophthalmology, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,
2
Neuroimaging
Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,
3
Center
for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Department of
Biological Sciences, SKKU, Suwon, Korea
Blind persons may acquire visual perception indirectly
using sensory substitution devices. One such device (The
vOICe) converts images to auditory soundscapes. To
examine the effect of top down input on the processing
of soundscapes in the visual cortex, we scanned sighted
and blind subjects both immediately before and
immediately after training them to interpret the
soundscapes as images. Significant negative BOLD
responses were observed in the visual cortex of sighted
subjects in both conditions. This negative response is
absent in blind subjects before training. Furthermore,
the BOLD response becomes significantly positive after
training indicating of a significant top down influence.
How to access this content:
For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.
After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.
After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.
Click here for more information on becoming a member.
