top of page
Writer's pictureShumala Jayakrishna
Mar 65 min read

Mind Games: The Peculiar Phenomena of Neurology



The human brain, with its myriad neural networks and synaptic connections, is the cornerstone of human cognition and behaviour. Within its wrinkles, however, lie an array of peculiarities and idiosyncrasies that offer profound insights into the complexities of neural processing. This article dives into these captivating phenomena - from synesthesia to mirror neurons. 


Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon characterised by the activation of one sensory or cognitive pathway, such as hearing, triggering automatic and involuntary experiences in a separate sensory or cognitive pathway, like vision. In simpler terms, when one sense is stimulated, another unrelated sense is concurrently activated. For example, listening to music may simultaneously evoke the perception of visual elements, such as swirls or patterns of colour. [1]


Researchers often attribute synesthesia to "cross-wiring" in the brain, where sensory systems overlap with other brain areas. It's theorised that this cross-wiring occurs naturally but is refined as a child grows, leading to underdeveloped sensory systems in synesthetes.


Although the exact brain regions responsible for synesthesia are unknown, the limbic system and cerebral cortex are considered prime candidates. Brain imaging studies show distinct neural responses in these areas among synesthetes compared to individuals with typical neurological functioning. [2]


Déjà Vu


In 1983, Dr. Vernon Neppe coined the term déjà vu to describe a sensation where an experience feels familiar despite having no clear past association. Put simply, déjà vu occurs when you feel like you're encountering something you couldn't have possibly experienced before.


According to Dr. Jean Khoury, déjà vu involves a discrepancy between the feeling of familiarity and the logical understanding that the situation is novel. Unlike recognizing familiar surroundings, as in a daily bus route, déjà vu entails feeling like you've previously had the exact conversation or experienced the specific scenario, despite knowing it's impossible. [3]


"Memory resides within a region of the brain known as the temporal lobe, where long-term memories, events, and factual information are consolidated. Certain areas within the temporal lobe also contribute to the recognition of familiarity," explains Dr. Roderick C. Spears, a physician specialising in Penn Neurology Valley Forge.


Though the connection between déjà vu and the temporal lobe is not definitively established due to limited research data, there are suggestive indicators pointing to this association.


Individuals afflicted with temporal lobe epilepsy, a condition characterised by disrupted nerve cell activity leading to seizures, have reported experiencing déjà vu episodes preceding seizures. The temporal lobe emerges as a common factor, indicating a link between déjà vu and memory.


Moreover, fatigue and stress, known to impair both short and long-term memory, can affect the temporal lobe's functioning. This impairment may contribute to the occurrence of déjà vu experiences in individuals experiencing tiredness or stress. [4]


Phantom Limb Sensation


After undergoing amputation, individuals frequently experience sensations of pain in the absent limb. Known as phantom limb sensation (PLS), this phenomenon entails feeling the presence of a missing body part following traumatic injuries. Often accompanied by discomfort, termed phantom limb pain (PLP), it represents a common occurrence among amputees.


Various theories have been posited regarding the mechanism of phantom limb pain over time. Initially perceived as a psychiatric disorder, emerging theories have attributed the pain to severed nerve endings and the formation of neuromas. In recent years, there has been a shift towards understanding phantom pain as stemming from alterations in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Nonetheless, none of these theories singularly suffice to elucidate the mechanism behind phantom limb pain, suggesting that a combination of mechanisms likely contributes to its manifestation. [5]


Research indicates that mirror therapy may offer relief from phantom pain. This therapeutic approach entails engagement in movement exercises while observing the reflection of the intact limb in a mirror for approximately 20 minutes daily. The visual illusion created by the mirror tricks the brain into perceiving the presence of two healthy limbs.


With consistent practice, the brain gradually integrates this visual feedback, leading to a reduction in phantom pain. It is important to note that continued repetition of the exercises may be necessary for sustained pain relief. By convincing the brain that the missing limb is intact, the sensation of pain in the phantom limb is mitigated.


The guidance of a physical therapist can be invaluable in effectively implementing and mastering mirror therapy techniques. Their expertise ensures the proper execution of exercises and maximises the therapeutic benefits for individuals seeking relief from phantom pain. [6] 


Mirror Neurons

More than two decades ago, mirror neurons were identified in the ventral premotor region F5 of the macaque monkey. After their discovery, extensive discourse surrounding these neurons has emerged in both scientific literature and mainstream media. They have been suggested as the neural foundation responsible for a wide spectrum of functions. [7]


Mirror neurons represent a significant breakthrough in the field of neuroscience in recent years. These specialised visuospatial cells offer profound insights into human social dynamics. Essentially, mirror neurons activate in response to actions observed in others, mirroring the same activity when we replicate those actions ourselves. Beyond mere imitation, they play a pivotal role in various complex human behaviours and cognitive processes including understanding intent and empathy. Notably, disruptions in the mirror neuron system have been associated with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. [8]


Mirror neurons, discovered in macaque monkeys over two decades ago, have sparked intense interest in understanding human social interaction. These specialized brain cells fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by others. This dual activation suggests a fundamental mechanism underlying our ability to understand and empathize with others.


Dr. Giacomo Rizzolatti and his team at the University of Parma first observed mirror neurons in monkeys' premotor cortex, where they noted neurons firing when monkeys grasped objects and when experimenters performed the same actions. This discovery led to the hypothesis that mirror neurons facilitate our capacity to "read" other people's minds and experience empathy for them.


Studies have shown that mirror neurons play a role not only in motor areas of the brain but also in emotional perception and intention understanding. They are implicated in our ability to discern others' emotions, intentions, and even underlying motives behind observed actions. However, challenges remain in fully understanding the function and distribution of mirror neurons in humans.


Despite these challenges, mirror neurons offer a compelling framework for exploring the mechanisms that govern human social dynamics. They highlight our innate tendency to perceive others as similar to ourselves and contribute to our understanding of empathy, autism spectrum disorder, and the evolution of language. [9]


In conclusion, our journey through the fascinating quirks of neurology has provided profound insights into the intricacies of the human brain. From synesthetic sensations to phantom limb perceptions and the empathetic resonance of mirror neurons, these phenomena offer a window into the remarkable adaptability and complexity of the human mind. By unravelling the mysteries of neurology, we deepen our understanding of human cognition and behaviour, paving the way for innovative approaches to addressing neurological disorders and enhancing the quality of life for individuals worldwide.


References:


bottom of page