Definitions Seizure – (Schomer) state of pathologic hypersynchronous behavior of large number of neurons associated with an altered neurologic function text defines it as – an episode of abnormally synchronized and high-frequency firing of neurons that results in abnormal behavior or experience of the individual Epilepsy – a condition in which there is a tendency … Read more
Recovery of Function Theoretical mech of recovery 1st stage recovery: first few weeks/ days after onset of stroke is critical time of regrowth (recovery from acute effects of metabolic & membrane failure, ionic and NT imbalance, hemorrhage, cellular rxn & edema) 2nd stage recovery: mech largely unknown; most likely see compensation with large lesions (see … Read more
Brief Summary when there is significant recovery of function it is associated with a remodeling of the cortical circuitry; when there is no recovery, there is also a lack of cortical change or a dendritic atrophy of the remaining neurons Definition of Plasticity the brain’s capacity for continuously changing it structure, and ultimately its function … Read more
ANATOMICAL AND CLINICAL REVIEW The pituitary and hypothalamus constitute a unique region of the nervous system. In addition to conventional synaptic transmission, both structures utilize soluble humoral factors as a major source of afferent and efferent information. The pituitary and hypothalamus form the link between the neural and endocrine systems The hypothalamus is the central … Read more
Epidemiology and Basic Background 1500 children diagnosed yearly in U.S. 80% occur within first 10 years of life 60% occur in the posterior fossa, the “back vault” of the skull below the tentorium (i.e., cerebellum and brainstem). This is very different from adults, who typically get supratentorial tumors. 5-year survival now 50%, though this varies … Read more
What Parkinson’s is Not: Parkinsonian Look-Alikes With so many people who show Parkinsonian symptoms not being correctly diagnosed as having Parkinson’s, it is also worthwhile noting that a number of people initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s have another disease, a “Parkinson’s look-alike,” instead. Most often these people are still considered to have Parkinsonism by the community, … Read more