The Brain Part II PDF

Chapter 13 The Brain  Electroencephalogram (EEG) Electrodes are pasted on the scalp. The electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of the brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear as a graph on a computer screen or as a recording that may be printed out on pap...

Chapter 13 The Brain  Electroencephalogram (EEG) Electrodes are pasted on the scalp. The electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of the brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear as a graph on a computer screen or as a recording that may be printed out on paper Electroencephalogram (EEG)  Brain Waves Electroencephalogram: Recording of the electrical activity within the brain. Alpha waves Beta waves Delta waves Theta waves  Electroencephalogram (EEG) The EEG is used to evaluate several types of brain disorders: Narcolepsy (sleep disorder) Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain Hydrocephalus  Aphasia Loss of ability to understand or express speech, caused by brain damage.  Aphasia Causes Any disease or damage to the parts of the brain that control language can cause aphasia  Aphasia Signs or Symptoms The specific symptoms and severity of aphasia vary depending on the location and extent of brain damage Difficulty with: Speaking Understanding Writing Reading  Aphasia Signs or Symptoms Speaking: Experience difficulty coming up with the words they want to say Substitute the intended word with another word that may be related in meaning to the target (say chicken instead of fish) OR Substitute the intended word with another word that may be unrelated in meaning to the target (say radio instead of beachball)  Aphasia Signs or Symptoms Difficulty understanding: Misunderstand what others say especially if they speak quickly (especially radio or television news) Have difficulty understanding speech in group situations or if backround noise is present  Aphasia Signs or Symptoms Difficulty reading and writing: Difficulty reading forms, pamphlets, books, and other written material  Alzheimer's A chronic neurodegenerative disease Younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65.  Alzheimer's Nerve cells get tangles, called neurofibrillary tangles. Protein deposits called beta-amyloid plaques build up in the brain. Alzheimer's  Alzheimer's Normally: In the brain, neurons connect and communicate at synapses Neurotransmitters carry information from one cell to another Acetylcholine Synapses and neurons are destroyed (communication system is destroyed)  Alzheimer's Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Cholinesterase inhibitors work by slowing down the process that breaks down a neurotransmitter.  Brain Tumors Benign/malignant Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in Adults: Headaches Seizures Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs  Gliomas Gliomas are one of the most common types of primary brain tumors. Develop from glial cells (neuroglia)  Gliomas Astrocytomas - astrocytes Ependymomas – ependymal cells Oligodendrogliomas - oligodendrocytes  Parkinson’s Progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement  Parkinson’s Tremor Rigid muscles Impaired posture and balance Loss of automatic movements  Parkinson’s A lack of dopamine due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells Movement becomes impaired Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig’s disease)  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig’s disease) A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons are affected. Stephen Hawking