Chapter 4.3: Plasticity after Brain Damage

Question 1

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is helpful in reducing the effect of a stroke only under which of these conditions?

Answer 1

It is helpful only if administered within the first hours after a stroke

Question 2

What would be the purpose of giving a drug that stimulates dopamine receptions to a stroke patient?

Answer 2

To combat diaschisis

Question 3

Name two procedures that decrease the damage caused by strokes in laboratory animals, although physicians so far have seldom tried them with people

Answer 3

Decreased body temperature and cannabinoids

Question 4

In which species, if, any, can axons regrow in the spinal cord?

Answer 4

In fish

Question 5

Where does collateral sprouting take place?

Answer 5

In the axon

Question 6

Where does denervation supersensitivity take place?

Answer 6

At synapses

Question 7

What causes the phantom limb experience?

Answer 7

Reorganization of the sensory cortex

Question 8

Suppose a patient uses only the right arm following injury that blocked all sensation from the left arm. Of the following, which is the most promising therapy?

Answer 8

Tie the right arm behind the person’s back