cells + control // brain and spinal chord problems Flashcards
Describe CT and PET scanning
A CT scan shows detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside your body. A PET scan can find abnormal activity and it can be more sensitive than other imaging tests. It may also show changes to your body sooner.
Explain how brain function is studied using
scanning
Scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to show details of brain structure and function. Patients are asked to perform various tasks and, by looking at the scan, scientists can see which parts of the brain are active when the task is carried out. The patient lies on a bed which moves into the machine.
Explain the effects of spinal cord damage
Injuries to the spinal cord can cause weakness or complete loss of muscle function and loss of sensation in the body below the level of injury, loss of control of the bowels and bladder, paralysis in any part of your body and numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes
Explain the effects of damage to the cerebellum
Loss of coordination in movement, the inability to judge distance and when to stop, the inability to perform rapid alternating movements, frequent stumbling, uncontrolled eye movements, slurred speech snd headaches.
Explain the effects of damage to the medulla oblongata
As it plays an essential role in passing messages between your spinal cord and brain, it can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis, or loss of sensation.
Explain the effects of damage to the cerebral cortex
As it plays a crucial role in nearly all brain functions, damage to it can cause many cognitive, sensory, and emotional difficulties
Explain the effects of damage to the cerebrum
As it has a left and right side, depending on which you damage, any of the following can be affected: movement and sensation, speech and language or eating and swallowing.
Explain the limitations of brain surgery.
The major limitation in treating physical brain and spinal cord damage is that when these nerve cells are lost, the condition is permanent, ie the cells do not regrow. (e.g. diseases such as Parkinson’s, dementia and multiple sclerosis cause damage to nerves which is irreversible and cannot currently be cured.)
