The complexity and expansive nature of thalamic research has led to numerous interventions for varied disease states. The recently published article, The thalamus: Structure, function, and neurotherapeutics offers the reader a broader and more detailed perspective on the thalamus. Experts across multiple disciplines, epilepsy, movement disorders, neurosurgery, radiology, psychiatry and basic science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai collaborated to publish this article in the Neurotherapeutics journal. To accomplish this goal, the paper begins with a summary of the function, electrophysiology, and anatomy of the normal thalamus. With this foundation, thalamic involvement in neurological diseases is discussed with a focus on epilepsy. Therapeutic interventions in the thalamus for epilepsy as well as movement disorders, psychiatric conditions and disorders of consciousness are also explored.
“We liken the thalamic research to the blind men and the elephant analogy. In this analogy, several blind men are touching a piece of the elephant and describing their part clearly but not given a holistic picture of the elephant. Thalamic research has exploded but is so fractured as to lose sight of the multiple functions and commonalities of the thalamus. In this work, we collaborated across sub-specialties to begin to put together a more holistic view of this intricate and various brain region”
-Lara V Marcuse, MD, Professor of Neurology, and Madeline C Fields, MD, Professor of Neurology
Beyond highlighting treatments, the paper examines a critical challenge in neuroscience, specifically the need for increased data sharing across institutions and specialties. More collaboration and comprehensive data collection—including clinical phenotyping, imaging, interventions, and outcomes—will help researchers refine treatment strategies, improve clinical outcomes, and ultimately deliver a clearer message to help our patients.