Chapter 4 Outcome 1 Sac2- Brain Plasticity And Damage

Question 1

How is the brain programmed to develop?

Answer 1

In an orderly way with vital survival functions developing first

Question 2

How does the brain increase in size by 6 months?

Answer 2

At 1/2 its size

Question 3

Brain size by 2 years?

Answer 3

3/4 of its full size

Question 4

Brain size by 6 years old

Answer 4

90-95%

Question 5

What is myelination and when does it occur?

Answer 5

The growth of myelin around the axons. Most intense myelination occurs shortly after birth. It begins in the hindbrain,then midbrain and then finishes in the forebrain.

Question 6

What is synaptogenesis and when does it occur?

Answer 6

It is the formation of new synapses (connections) between Neurons. It rapidly occurs 15 months after birth.

Question 7

What is synaptic pruning? When does it happen?

Answer 7

The elimination of synaptic connections. Occurs for many years throughout life.

Question 8

How does the frontal lobe develop?

Answer 8

Last part to mature. During teen years there is more pruning in the frontal lobe which may explain “teen” behaviour.

Question 9

What is brain injury?

Answer 9

Any brain damage that impairs or interferes with the normal functioning of the brain, either temporarily or permanently.

Question 10

What is acquired brain injury?

Answer 10

Damage that occurs after birth that occurs due to physical injuries, drugs, surgery, inflammation, diseases and infections

Question 11

What is a sudden onset brain injury?

Answer 11

Is caused by an abrupt factor. Eg: stroke, blow to the head, infection, drug use.

Question 12

What is insidious onset brain injury?

Answer 12

Injury to the brain caused by gradual factors such as prolonged use of drugs and alcohol, a developing tumour or a neurodegenerative disease.

Question 13

What is a neurodegenerative disease?

Answer 13

The progressive decline in the structure, activity and function of brain tissue.

Question 14

What is a stroke?

Answer 14

Occurs when a blood vessel bursts or is clogged. The brain cannot receive oxygen or blood resulting in brain cells dying.

Question 15

What is the case of Phineas Gage?

Answer 15

A metal rod went through his frontal lobe. His personality was notably different and he became grumpy and less friendly. He did not die due to his injury

Question 16

What are biological changes in relation to frontal lobe damage?

Answer 16

They are physical in nature and display problems with the motor cortex. Motor activity, voluntary actions and spontaneous movements are reduced.

Question 17

What are psychological changes in relation to frontal lobe injury?

Answer 17

Involve emotion, personality, cognition which impact on behaviour. Persistent apathy is present with intervals of euphoria. Patients seem disorganised and scattered with their emotions.

Question 18

What are social changes that occur in relation to frontal lobe injury?

Answer 18

The onset of socially inappropriate behaviour. Patients have difficulty maintaining social relationships, are typically isolated and are more likely to be involved in criminal offences.

Question 19

What is spatial neglect?

Answer 19

A neurological disorder whereby individuals are unable to notice anything either on their left or right side.
Es It is a problem with attention which usually occurs due to damage in the right lobe and more often seen in stroke patients.

Question 20

What is brain plasticity?

Answer 20

The ability of the brain to change in response to experience. This is through the connection of new neural pathways, thus, also changing the physical structure of the brain.

Question 21

Why does brain plasticity occur and where?

Answer 21

It changes itself as a response to brain injury and this change occurs primarily at the synapse.

Question 22

What is adaptive plasticity?

Answer 22

The ability of the brain to compensate for lost function and/or to maximise remaining functions in the event if brain injury. The brain can help reprogram itself without treatment.

Question 23

What are the factors that determine how the brain changes and the effectiveness of the change?

Answer 23

~location
~degree and extent of the damage
~ age

Question 24

What is rerouting?

Answer 24

Where an undamaged neuron that has lost a connection with an active neuron may seek a new active neuron and connect with it.

Question 25

What is sprouting?

Answer 25

The growth of additional branches on axons or dendrites to enable new connections. New growth projects to an area that has been deactivated. Sprouting also involves rerouting.

Question 26

Where does plasticity occur?

Answer 26

At all levels of the CNS; cerebral cortex down to spinal cord

Question 27

What must happen in order for Neurons to reconnect or form new connections?

Answer 27

They must be stimulated through activity

Question 28

What is something the brain does to compensate for damage?

Answer 28

It can reassign functions to other undamaged areas of the brain

Question 29

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 29

A progressive neurological disorder which is characterised by both motor and non-motor symptoms

Question 30

What is the cause of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 30

Neurons degenerate which results in fewer Neurons. This then results in a decrease in dopamine which then means that the brain receives fewer messages on how to control movements in the body.

Question 31

Where does the degeneration of Neurons take place in relation to Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 31

Substantia Nigra

Question 32

What is the role of the substantia Nigra?

Answer 32

To regulate and control smooth movements

Question 33

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 33

Symptoms develop slowly and gradually.

~Tremors(resting or action)
~Muscle rigidity
~Slowness of movement
~Postural instability

Other symptoms include:
Speech problems, pain, tiredness and mental health issues

Question 34

What is dopamine and its role?

Answer 34

It is a neurotransmitter responsible for carrying messages between Neurons to ensure effective planning initiation and maintenance of movements

Question 35

What are the treatments for Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 35

There is no known cure.

Motor symptoms can be treated with L-Dopa which contains levodopa; a chemical that is converted into dopamine by neurons.

Electric brain stimulation of the Substantia Nigra.

Question 36

What is the average age to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 36

55-65

Question 37

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

Answer 37

It is based on individual symptoms and a neurological examination.

CAT and MRI scans asses damage and degeneration of neurons over time.

PET and fMRI measure changes in the release of dopamine and observe impact in dopamine pathways for movement