Does schizophrenia cause brain deterioration around the lateral ventricle or…?
The neuroanatomical features which seem to be relevant in schizophrenic patients have been the subject of intense research, specifically using computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebral blood flow measurements. According to research, some schizophrenic patients exhibit one or more of four major anatomical abnormalities. These include: 1) a reduced blood flow to the left globus pallidus early in disease, 2) disturbances in frontal lobe function due to lower blood flow during certain tasks, 3) diminished cortical matter in the medial temporal lobe as well as a smaller anterior hippocampus, usually on the left side, 4) enlarged lateral and third ventricles accompanied by larger sulci, consistent with reduction in cortical volume, mainly in the frontal and temporal lobes. Each of these anatomical findings is leading researchers to explanations for certain characteristics of schizophrenic disease, including positive versus negative symptoms.
