Chronic Nervous System Changes - My Notes

Question 1

Neurotransmitter Interruption

Answer 1

Neurotransmitter interruption can occur from an imbalance or deficiency in a particular type of neurotransmitter. Causes of neurotransmitter interruption may be naturally occurring or self induced. Common causes include alcohol and drug drug diet and nutrition, stress and genetics.

Question 2

Side effects of neurotransmitter interruption.

Answer 2

The side effects are many and varied, some can be permanent and others can be short term. All relate directly to the type of neurotransmitter impacted. Some side effects include mental health disorders, substance addiction, immobility and weight loss or gain. Some of these side effects are chronic while others are temporary.

Question 3

Treating neurotransmitter interruptions

Answer 3

Neurotransmitter interruption can in many cases be treated through drugs and medication, artificially replacing the lost neurotransmitter. The biggest problem with this is that it does not help the natural production, in fact it can suppress it further.

Question 4

Deficiency in serotonin

Answer 4

Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that involves stabilising mood. Without it individuals suffer emotional disturbances that can result in schizophrenia.

Question 5

Deficiency in dopamine

Answer 5

Dopamine is an excitatory Neuron involved in drive, motivation and motor movement. Without It, individuals can suffer from depression.

Question 6

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 6

Progressive degeneration of the Nervous System characterised by tremor and muscle rigidity. Caused by degeneration of neurons containing GABA and dopamine which causes movement problems and low levels of gaba which explains why dopamine treatments such only have short term effects. Other symptoms include slowness of movement and involuntary movement. Can also lead to pain, depression and difficulty speaking.

Question 7

Acute

Answer 7

Acute often also connotes an illness that is of short duration, rapidly progressive, and in need of urgent care.

Question 8

What causes Parkinson’s disease extra tidbit and effect of lack of gaba and dopamine

edit made in June 2017 cuz of that trial exam you didn’t know was happening because you were home sick watching e3 2017 sony conference live where Spider-Man gameplay was shown for the first time

Answer 8

Low levels of dopamine in the substantia nigra which causes movement problems. The Substantia Nigra is part of the basal ganglia, located in the midbrain and responsible for reward, addiction and the coordination of movement.

The decreased GABA which is an inhibitory Neuron means there are more neurons firing and can lead to involuntary muscle contractions.

Dopamine which is an excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for conscious control of muscle movement. Without dopamine there is less firing of neurons which means there are gaps in coordination which can lead to difficulty and slowness of movement.

Question 9

Why do dopamine treatments not work for Parkinson’s

Answer 9

GABA reduces dopamine and if you are given GABA medication the dopamine levels will still be reduced. GABA and dopamine treatments can’t be given together as the level of activity in GABA neurons needs to constantly change based on current needs.