The temporal lobes play an important role in the processing of language, word retrieval, memory and emotions. Problems associated with temporal lobes abnormalities result in deficiencies including inability to understand and process language, memory loss (both long and short term), aggression (irritability and violent thoughts), and anxiety, as well reading and auditory difficulties.
A number of reports indicate that many of these neurological deficits are related to abnormalities in production, concentration, release, degradation or reuptake of common neurotransmitters. These small molecular transmitters act relatively quickly.(1) For example, alteration in regional concentrations of serotonin, that like all the others small molecule transmitters, is synthesized and packaged for use in the axon terminals may be linked to anxiety, mood and eating disorders.
Regional alterations in dopamine have been associated with schizophrenia and in excess may cause hallucinations. Deficits in acetylcholine may be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Gamma-aminobutyric acid has proved helpful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Interestingly, all of these small molecule transmitters, or their main components, are derived from the food that we eat.
The concentration of these transmitters and their level of activity may be significantly related to diet. Ultimately, the distribution and concentrations of these molecular transmitters are probably the factors most directly related to emotional disorders, but tools for meaningful routine clinical evaluation of neurotransmitter concentrations are presently lacking.
It is well known that the temporal lobes are related not only to memory and language functions, but also to anger and temper control. We explored whether routine SPECT brain imaging could be helpful in objectively characterizing this mood disorder. The main purpose in this study was to observe any common or unique changes in the distribution of the radioactive tracer in the temporal lobes.
We were particularly interested in whether the use of a semitransparent surface rendered 3D image presentation which emphasized the presence of regions of increased blood flow could be helpful. We compared the results of patients who had reported temper problems with patients who had the same clinical diagnosis, but who didn't have any temper problems reported by their family. This was ascertained using routine questionnaire filled out by the families of all patients. The questionnaire included the question: "Are there any problems with temper?"
