Assoc. Prof. Vorasith Siripornpanich, M.D., Ph.D.

     The good quality of people is the most important factor for national development, so I and my research group plan to answer the question “how to improve the cognitive abilities in Thai people”. At human level, we have been interested in using electrophysiological tools for evaluation of cognitive functions in clinical cases as well as to compare before and after specific intervention program. Electrophysiological tools such as EEG (Electroencephalography), EP (Evoked Potentials), and ERP (Event-Related Potentials) can measure electrical activities of the brain with excellent temporal resolution and able to show information in each brain region under defined condition. We use this equipment for evaluation of the brain functions in normal population as well as neurological and psychological patients including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder. These electrophysiological techniques can be used to compare human cognition before and after neurological intervention such as effects of essential oil inhalation or musical sound learning on attention / concentration domain of cognition. Thus this information from electrophysiological tools provide us a solid data of brain functions and can be integrated with anatomical and molecular data from experimental animal model leading to the knowledge of “functional localization” of cognitive brain areas and also factors that can improve cognitive function in Thai people.

1.Siripornpanich V, Rachiwong S, Ajjimaporn A. A pilot study on salivary cortisol secretion and auditory P300 event-related potential in patients with physical disability-related stress. Int J Neurosci. 2020;130(2):170-175.

2.Siripornpanich V, Visudtibhan A, Kotchabhakdi N, Chutabhakdikul N. Delayed cortical maturation at the centrotemporal brain regions in patients with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS). Epilepsy Res. 2019;154:124-131.

3.Ajjimaporn A, Ramyarangsi P, Siripornpanich V. Effects of a 20-min Nap after Sleep Deprivation on Brain Activity and Soccer Performance [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 6]. Int J Sports Med. 2020;10.1055/a-1192-6187. doi:10.1055/a-1192-6187

4.Sayorwan W, Siripornpanich V, Piriyapunyaporn T, Hongratanaworakit T, Kotchabhakdi N, Ruangrungsi N. The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. J Med Assoc Thai. 2012;95(4):598-606.

5.Sayorwan W, Ruangrungsi N, Piriyapunyporn T, Hongratanaworakit T, Kotchabhakdi N, Siripornpanich V. Effects of inhaled rosemary oil on subjective feelings and activities of the nervous system. Sci Pharm. 2013;81(2):531-542. doi:10.3797/scipharm.1209-05