Chapter 17 Flashcards
(50 cards)
Why is the brain considered a delicate organ?
Because accidents can cause head injury, and diseases can disrupt its normal functioning, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Who is primarily responsible for assessing brain disorders?
Neurologists and psychiatrists, using clinical skills, biomedical assays, and brain imaging.
Name two common brain disorders found even in children and teenagers.
Epilepsy and depression.
What characterizes epilepsy?
Recurring seizures caused by disorganized neuronal firing and abnormal excitability.
What happens during an epileptic seizure?
Loss of consciousness, stiffness, shaking, possible tongue biting or incontinence, followed by confusion or sleepiness.
What neurotransmitters modulate seizure activity?
GABA (inhibitory) and glutamate (excitatory).
Difference between partial and generalized seizures?
Partial seizures are localized, generalized seizures spread to the entire cortex.
What does EEG show during a generalized seizure?
Large, slow, synchronous waves replacing the normal alpha rhythm.
How has neuroscience improved epilepsy treatment?
Development of selective drugs targeting excitatory transmission and brain imaging to localize seizure sources for possible surgery.
What is the usual cause of common headaches?
Muscle tension.
When can headaches indicate serious problems?
If they appear suddenly or are associated with rash or vomiting, indicating irritation of the meninges.
What symptoms often accompany migraines?
One-sided headache, nausea, sensitivity to light/noise, and an aura of flashing lights or jagged lines.
What brain changes are observed at the start of a migraine?
Increased activity and blood flow in pain-processing brain regions, followed by reduced blood flow.
What class of drugs effectively stops migraine attacks?
Triptans, which activate specific serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
What usually causes stroke symptoms like one-sided weakness?
Interrupted blood supply to the opposite side of the brain.
Why do neurons need a continuous blood supply?
To receive oxygen and glucose for ATP production, which fuels electrical activity.
What is a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)?
A temporary interruption of blood flow causing reversible neurological symptoms.
What happens to neurons during a prolonged stroke?
Neurons lose ATP, fail to maintain ion gradients, swell, burst, and release toxic neurotransmitters like glutamate.
What is tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) used for?
Breaking up clots to restore blood flow after a stroke.
Have glutamate-blocking drugs been successful in stroke treatment?
Not yet; they are still in development.
What has genetic research revealed about brain diseases?
Many inherited brain diseases are caused by specific gene defects, e.g., spinocerebellar ataxia.
What is Huntington’s disease caused by?
A repeat mutation in the huntingtin gene.
What ethical questions arise from genetic testing for brain diseases?
Whether people want to know their risk, and issues surrounding prenatal testing and abortion.
What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
An autoimmune disease causing inflammation and demyelination in the nervous system with relapsing-remitting symptoms.
