The Vulnerable Developing Brain

Question 1

Why is the brain vulnerable?

Answer 1

A mutation on a gene can lead to long lasting defects as well as malnutrition, toxic chemicals or infections

Chemical distortions in the brain during early development can cause significant impairment

Question 2

What is spinal bifida?

Answer 2

Failure of the closure of the neural fold at the level of the spinal cord
1 in 1000 live births
small openings can be surgically corrected
larger opening can lead to paralysis and limb deformities
prevented by folic acid

Question 3

What is anencephaly?

Answer 3

When the brain fails to develop

Results in stillborn

Question 4

What is fatal alcohol syndrome?

Answer 4

A condition in children whose mother was drinking during pregnancy

marked by:
brain abnormalities
hyperactivity and impulsiveness 
can't maintain attention
varying degrees of mental retardation
motor problems
facial abnormalities

no safe dose, alcohol interferes with all the processes discussed and enhances apoptosis

Question 5

What is schizophrenia?

Answer 5

affects 1% of the population
symptoms are universal
break with reality
three categories of symptoms: positive, negative and cognitive

Question 6

What environmental factors cause schizophrenia?

Answer 6

Activation of mothers immune system
prenatal malnutrition
substance abuse
complications during pregnancy and delivery