Chapter 4 Outcome 1 Sac2- Brain Plasticity And Damage Flashcards
(37 cards)
How is the brain programmed to develop?
In an orderly way with vital survival functions developing first
How does the brain increase in size by 6 months?
At 1/2 its size
Brain size by 2 years?
3/4 of its full size
Brain size by 6 years old
90-95%
What is myelination and when does it occur?
The growth of myelin around the axons. Most intense myelination occurs shortly after birth. It begins in the hindbrain,then midbrain and then finishes in the forebrain.
What is synaptogenesis and when does it occur?
It is the formation of new synapses (connections) between Neurons. It rapidly occurs 15 months after birth.
What is synaptic pruning? When does it happen?
The elimination of synaptic connections. Occurs for many years throughout life.
How does the frontal lobe develop?
Last part to mature. During teen years there is more pruning in the frontal lobe which may explain “teen” behaviour.
What is brain injury?
Any brain damage that impairs or interferes with the normal functioning of the brain, either temporarily or permanently.
What is acquired brain injury?
Damage that occurs after birth that occurs due to physical injuries, drugs, surgery, inflammation, diseases and infections
What is a sudden onset brain injury?
Is caused by an abrupt factor. Eg: stroke, blow to the head, infection, drug use.
What is insidious onset brain injury?
Injury to the brain caused by gradual factors such as prolonged use of drugs and alcohol, a developing tumour or a neurodegenerative disease.
What is a neurodegenerative disease?
The progressive decline in the structure, activity and function of brain tissue.
What is a stroke?
Occurs when a blood vessel bursts or is clogged. The brain cannot receive oxygen or blood resulting in brain cells dying.
What is the case of Phineas Gage?
A metal rod went through his frontal lobe. His personality was notably different and he became grumpy and less friendly. He did not die due to his injury
What are biological changes in relation to frontal lobe damage?
They are physical in nature and display problems with the motor cortex. Motor activity, voluntary actions and spontaneous movements are reduced.
What are psychological changes in relation to frontal lobe injury?
Involve emotion, personality, cognition which impact on behaviour. Persistent apathy is present with intervals of euphoria. Patients seem disorganised and scattered with their emotions.
What are social changes that occur in relation to frontal lobe injury?
The onset of socially inappropriate behaviour. Patients have difficulty maintaining social relationships, are typically isolated and are more likely to be involved in criminal offences.
What is spatial neglect?
A neurological disorder whereby individuals are unable to notice anything either on their left or right side.
Es It is a problem with attention which usually occurs due to damage in the right lobe and more often seen in stroke patients.
What is brain plasticity?
The ability of the brain to change in response to experience. This is through the connection of new neural pathways, thus, also changing the physical structure of the brain.
Why does brain plasticity occur and where?
It changes itself as a response to brain injury and this change occurs primarily at the synapse.
What is adaptive plasticity?
The ability of the brain to compensate for lost function and/or to maximise remaining functions in the event if brain injury. The brain can help reprogram itself without treatment.
What are the factors that determine how the brain changes and the effectiveness of the change?
~location
~degree and extent of the damage
~ age
What is rerouting?
Where an undamaged neuron that has lost a connection with an active neuron may seek a new active neuron and connect with it.
