Neuroscientifically Challenged

In this video, I explore the brain mechanisms underlying rewarding experiences and addiction. I discuss dopamine’s role in reward and addictive behavior, the major dopamine pathways (mesolimbic, mesocortical, and nigrostriatal), and a range of addiction-related brain changes, including hypofrontality, heightened sensitivity to drug cues, blunted dopamine signaling, tolerance, an...

In this video, I explore the role of the hippocampus in memory. I begin with an overview of the different types of memory, then I focus on declarative memory—the form of memory most closely associated with the hippocampus. I cover the structure of the hippocampus and nearby regions, explaining how each contributes to the formation and retrieval of declarative memories. To watch ...

A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is often called a “mini-stroke.” TIA is a condition caused by disrupted blood supply to the brain, which results in temporary neurological symptoms without causing the death of brain tissue. In this video, I cover the pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment of TIAs. To watch the video, click the "continue reading" link below.

Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that exert opposing influences in the regulation of appetite and energy balance. In this video, I discuss the roles of leptin and ghrelin in appetite and their potential involvement in obesity. To watch the video, click the "continue reading" link below.

In this video, I discuss the anatomy and physiology of the basal ganglia—a group of structures that play a key role in movement as well as a variety of non-motor functions. I cover the direct and indirect pathways, additional circuitry involved in non-motor functions, and several basal ganglia disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, obsessive-compulsive d...