neurotrauma in the CNS

Question 1

list the difference between acute and chronic neurotrauma

Answer 1

chronic -> neurodegenerative diseases such as AD/PD

acute-> traumatic spinal cord injury

-> similar consequences long term –> severe detrimental effects

Question 2

does the CNS have capacity to regenerate?

Answer 2

• No
• limited capacity for repair
• cell death and permanent functional cell death

Question 3

what does damage at C4 result in?

Answer 3

• quadriplegia –> complete paralysis below neck

Question 4

what are the consequences of CNS injury?

Answer 4

• functional deficits
• CNS neurons do not regenerate –> due to
• injury to response ( characterised by glial scar formation and the up regulation of inhibitory molecules such as CSPG)
• inhibitory microenvironment
• lack of trophic support
• loss of cells

Question 5

outline the initial response to an injury to the CNS

Answer 5

Mechanical insult–> primary damage, mechanical failure (BBB breakdown)

–> initial glial response (phagocytosis)–> reduced excitotoxicity

long term glial scar (inhibits neurone outgrowth)

secondary damage –> inflammation, excitotoxicity, ischeamia, free radicals, apoptosis