Problems in sensory processing with FA evident on MRI scans

MRI imaging indicates that Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patients have impairments in proprioception — sensory processing related to body movement and location — relative to healthy adults, but these changes do not contribute to overall disease severity, according to recent research. Brain responses to tactile stimulation (light touch) were similar…

Functional MRI Used to Study of Neuropathology of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7

A post-doctoral fellowship award has been given to Carlos Roberto Hernandez-Castillo, Ph.D. of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexica, Coyoacan, Mexico to study the neuropathology of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects a brain area known as the cerebellum, which controls coordination.