Cortical thickness and reduced white matter – in a recent study, voxel-based morphometry, an imaging technique used to explore structural differences in the brain, revealed a decrease in white matter concentration in the right inferior frontal gyrus of amusic individuals as compared to controls. Lack of extensive exposure to music could be a contributing factor to this white matter reduction. For example, amusic individuals may be less inclined to listen to music than others, which could ultimately cause reduced myelination of connections to the frontal areas of the brain. Involvement of the parahippocampal gyrus (responsible for the emotional reaction to music)

Treatment
Currently, no forms of treatment have proven effective in treating amusia. One study has shown tone differentiation techniques to have some success; however, future research on treatment of this disorder will be necessary to verify this technique as an appropriate treatment. History
In 1825, F. Gall mentioned a "musical organ" in a specific region of the human brain that could be spared or disrupted after a traumatic event resulting in brain damage. In 1865, Jean-Baptiste Bouillaud described the first series of cases that involved the loss of music abilities that were due to brain injury. In 1878, Grant Allen was the first to describe in the medical literature what would later be termed congenital amusia, calling it "note-deafness". Later, during the late nineteenth century, several influential neurologists studied language in an attempt to construct a theory of cognition. While not studied as thoroughly as language, music and visual processing were also studied.
Ezetimibe/atorvastatin (trade names Liptruzet, Atozet) is a cholesterol lowering combination drug. In the United States, it was approved in May 2013, by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in patients with primary or mixed hyperlipidemia as adjunctive therapy to diet. It has also been approved to reduce elevated total cholesterol and elevated LDL in patients diagnosed with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as an adjunctive treatment to other hyperlipidemia treatments.Some cardiologists opposed the approval, because the combination reduced LDL cholesterol in a clinical trial, but it did not reduce heart disease. A clinical trial studying the endpoints of heart attacks, strokes and heart-related deaths is scheduled to conclude in 2014.Liptruzet was withdrawn from sale by its manufacturer in June 2015, but not for reasons of safety or effectiveness. Mechanism of action
This combination drug works to reduce cholesterol levels through two different pathways. The ezetimibe component of the medication works by inhibiting cholesterol absorption from food while the atorvastatin component inhibits intrinsic cholesterol production in the liver. Safety
The drug is not safe to use in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminase. Women that are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use the drug. It is a teratogenic agent that may disrupt the growth and development of a fetus. Immediate discontinuation is recommended in patients that become pregnant while taking this drug. Adverse effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include:
Musculoskeletal pain
Elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT)
Gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain and nausea

See also
Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe/simvastatin


== References ==