{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Visuo-spatial imagery in dreams of congenitally and early blind: a systematic review.
{Author}: Ilic K;Bertani R;Lapteva N;Drakatos P;Delogu A;Raheel K;Soteriou M;Mutti C;Steier J;Carmichael DW;Goadsby PJ;Ockelford A;Rosenzweig I;
{Journal}: Front Integr Neurosci
{Volume}: 17
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2023
{Factor}: 3.213
{DOI}: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1204129
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The presence of visual imagery in dreams of congenitally blind people has long been a matter of substantial controversy. We set to systematically review body of published work on the presence and nature of oneiric visuo-spatial impressions in congenitally and early blind subjects across different areas of research, from experimental psychology, functional neuroimaging, sensory substitution, and sleep research.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Relevant studies were identified using the following databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsychINFO.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Studies using diverse imaging techniques and sensory substitution devices broadly suggest that the "blind" occipital cortex may be able to integrate non-visual sensory inputs, and thus possibly also generate visuo-spatial impressions. Visual impressions have also been reported by blind subjects who had near-death or out-of-body experiences.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Deciphering the mechanistic nature of these visual impression could open new possibility in utilization of neuroplasticity and its potential role for treatment of neurodisability.