Abstract The effects of alochol abuse on the unborn child, on society and on relationships are quite wellknown, but the fact that alcohol can affect the brain is a fact that is less known. The paper shows that in fact alcohol stops the cortex from serving its role in integrating cognitive processes, resulting in disorganized thinking and motor control difficulties. The paper examines research that shows that individuals with a history of chronic alcohol abuse had significantly smaller brains than non alcoholic individuals. Finally, the paper concludes that continuous research on the subject may help combat alcoholism in the future.
From the Paper "The actions of several neurotransmitters are significantly affected by the actions of alcohol. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most prevalent neurotransmitters in the human brain, and alcohol is clearly linked to affects on the GABAergic system in the human brain. For example, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are reduced by blocking the activity of the neurotransmitter by the use of drugs that are well known to block GABA receptors. This evidence suggests that alcohol may play an important role in the biological underpinnings of human alcoholism. Researchers have also noted that tolerance and dependence on alcohol can be explained by the neuropharmacological effect of chronic alcohol use (Brain & Mind Magazine)."
Abstract This paper looks at epilepsy and discusses the different types, symptoms, medication and social impacts as well as its treatment and aftercare. It includes basic understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease process and how drug actions and chemicals in the brain thought to contribute to the disease.
Outline
Disease Classification
Normal? Physiology and the Effects of the Disease
Treatment for the Disease
Patient Care
From the Paper "The symptoms of Epilepsy, in my opinion and using the aforementioned evidence, definitely reflect the effects of the disease on the "normal" physiological functioning of the body. The chaotic, unregulated neuronal discharge in the cortex seems to have, from a simplistic point of view, a direct and visible correlation with the chaotic events, muscular spasm and loss of involuntary functions e.g., Breathing, bladder control or swallowing. The complexities of diagnosis and detection of the areas of brain cortex responsible for the discharge are made somewhat easier by the use of EEG, this also simplifies diagnosis of each individual as well as identifying which strain they may have. Although Monton (1985) does state that EEG has its limitations and therefore requires clinical assessment to be used in conjunction with EEG for effective and accurate investigation and diagnosis."
