Abstract
Individual variation in cortical morphology is one hurdle for creating functional cortical maps across different populations. This is particularly challenging in populations with gross structural abnormalities as seen in cases of early hydrocephaly. In a testament to brain plasticity, many hydrocephalic patients with timely shunt placements develop normal or near normal function despite large loss and displacement of cortical tissue. We report here functional mapping in visual cortex in a case of hydrocephaly. This case offers particular insight because the gross abnormalities and tissue loss in the early visual areas is largely limited to one hemisphere, allowing a within subject comparison of structure and function. Preliminary results indicate strongly anomalous retinotopic mapping in the affected hemisphere yet little evidence of loss of visual function, suggesting neural compensation for abnormal cortical morphology. More extensive testing of localized visual function is ongoing.
Meeting abstract presented at the 2016 OSA Fall Vision Meeting