Biopsychology-Functional Recovery

Question 1

What is functional recovery?

Answer 1

Transferring function from one part of the brain that has been damaged to a healthy part of the brain

Question 2

What is a device that uses functional recovery and what does it do?

Answer 2

TMS:Transcranial magnetic stimulation-Device that sits on top of head and emits electrical impulses

• Neuro rehabilitation:Preparing it to start to open up other areas to take over functions of damaged behaviour
• Hopes to open neural pathways that are not being used

Question 3

What is a second way for functional recovery to take place?

Answer 3

Recruitment of homologous areas (similar areas)-Using existing structures with neural pathways on opposite hemisphere to enable route to be used without having to build new networks

Question 4

What is a mechanism for recovery?

Answer 4

Stem cells- unspecialised cells

Question 5

How do stem cells work?

Answer 5

• They can be:
  1) -Implanted in brain directly replacing dead/dying cells
  2) -Transplanted cells form neural network, which links to uninjured brain site, where new stem cells are made, with damage region of brain

Question 6

What are the implications of these methods of recovery for the economy?

Answer 6

• Funding to carry on research

- Greater waiting list for NHS

Question 7

What are some factors that influence the functional recovery of the brain?

Answer 7

• Decreases with age
• Research has shown women recover quicker than men
• Education e.g. Schneider et al (2014): 769 patients studies- found out those that higher educated have higher chance of being disability free after year post trauma