Facial processing within the temporal lobes following cerebrovascular infarct: a neuropsychological, anatomical, and functional study

Vision encompasses a very complex sensory system which requires the involvement of multiple brain areas to function properly. Damage to any one of these areas can affect vision in very specific ways. For example damage to a very small and precise region in the brain, found within the posterior temporal lobe, results in a specific perceptual deficit, manifest by an inability to recognize faces. It is common for patients who have suffered from a stroke to experience this or other visuo-perceptual impairments. Based at UBC’s Eye Care Centre, Christopher Fox is examining stroke patients who have temporal lobe damage. Using a variety of tests he is determining visual processing deficits in these patients, then using MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to examine their brains to see which regions are responsible for these deficits. Christopher’s research will contribute to a greater understanding of the role of the temporal lobes in vision, and of the complex process of visual perception.