Abstract This paper explores the role of the cerebral cortex in the human brain. The physiology of this part of the brain is presented in detail. Additionally, the function of the cerebral cortex is discussed, especially in light of new scientific research. The paper also examines the evolution of this part of the brain. The author also considers the relationship between the cerebral cortex and intelligence. The author concludes that cognitive psychologists strived hard to learn more about the structure and functions of cerebral cortex. The neurons of the cerebral cortex exert the highest level of regulation in the status of the nervous system.
From the Paper "The cerebral cortex refers to a structure of brain among the vertebrates that takes into account humans as well. As the outermost layers of the cerebrum are normally of grey color, it is commonly called as grey matter. The grey matter is constituted by neurons and their unmyelinated fibers and the white matter the layer below the grey matter is constituted primarily by myelinated axons. This links the various regions of the central nervous system. The thickness of human cerebral cortex measures up to 2 to 4 mm which is 0.08 to 0.16 inches and normally is folded. The outermost layer of the cerebral cortex in respect of higher animals, particularly among the higher mammals, appears to be folded. As a result of this many grooves on the outermost layer of the brain known as sulci are formed. There also exist some ridges on the outermost layer of the brain known as gyri. Such folding of the cortex enhanced the cortical surface area. (Cerebral cortex: Wikipedia)"
Abstract This paper describes the medical condition of cerebral palsy that affects a person's control of his muscles and therefore may have trouble walking, talking, eating or playing in the same methods as many other people. It formulates a transition plan for a eighteen year old high school graduate in order to understand the limitations and opportunities available for an individual with cerebral palsy.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining Cerebral Palsy
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Characteristics of Cerebral Palsy
Classifications of Cerebral Palsy
Meet John Smith
John's Diagnosis
John's Post-Secondary Outcome
John's Residential Needs
John's Financial Income
Enjoying Life
Health Care Needs
Creating a Social Life
Transportation Issues
Advocacy and Legal Needs for John
Managing a Home, Money and Personal Life
Conclusion.
From the Paper "Individuals with cerebral palsy often exhibit distinguishing characteristics. These include convulsive muscle contractions that may be intermittent known as tonic or continuous, which is clonic. A person can develop contractures and abnormal spinal curves. The person may exhibit rigid, primitive reflexes and distorted deep tendon reflexes (Dzienkowski, 1996). Exaggerated posturing, fragmented motor movements, and lack of balance may also be observed in an individual with cerebral palsy."
Abstract This paper looks at how cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor development. A brief introduction to cerebral palsy is provided. The paper describes the different types of CP and outlines the possible causes of the illness. The paper focuses on the specific effects of cerebral palsy on motor development through a review of the measures used by clinicians to assess cerebral palsy.
From the Paper "Cerebral palsy is a general term for a variety of disorders caused by damage to the brain (Schuelein, 2002). The damage occurs before or during birth or in the first few years of life, and may cause severe crippling, or the symptoms may be so mild that they hardly interfere with the patient's activities (Schuelein, 2002). There are several types of cerebral palsy, and all involve lack of muscle control: common effects of the disorder include a clumsy walk, lack of balance, shaking, jerky movements, and unclear speech (Schuelein, 2002). In many patients, the brain damage also causes mental retardation, learning disability, seizures, and problems in sight and hearing (Schuelein, 2002)."
Abstract This paper reports on the current relevant literature on cardiopulmonary bypasses, which provide a temporary substitute for a patient's heart and lungs during the course of open-heart surgery. In particular, it looks at how the memory loss and other cognitive problems long known to result from bypass surgery are often minimized by heart surgeons as being merely transient problems and how there is a need for cerebral protection, since studies have shown that for a substantial minority who undergo this operation, will incur mental impairment years later. A review of the literature is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
Outline
Overview
Need for Cerebral Protection
Cerebral Protection Methods
Technological Developments
From the Paper "Today, the trend is towards providing brain protection with either antegrade or retrograde perfusion during circulatory arrest. The study by Igari et al. and work by others have demonstrated the ability to isolate cerebral perfusion from lower-body perfusion while performing the necessary great vessel anastomoses. A Boston Children's Study that cited by these researchers demonstrated the overall superiority of low-flow versus no-flow that may have applicability to the adult situation as well. In this study, the authors used a moderately hypothermic perfusate, thus decreasing cerebral oxygen consumption. "The combination of hypothermia to decrease metabolic rate and moderate-flow perfusion to wash out metabolites provides cerebral protection" (Igari et al., 1999, p. 108)."
Abstract This paper discusses cerebral palsy (CP), a range of disabilities caused by brain damage before or during birth or in the first years of life. The paper explains that CP is characterized by a loss of voluntary muscular control and coordination. The paper defines the disorder and presents statistics of the prevalence of CP in the United States. A brief history of CP is provided and the possible causes of the disorder are examined. The paper explores several medical breakthroughs in the field.
Outline
Introduction
Definition and Prevalence of the Disorder
Variations of Cerebral Palsy
History
Causes
Medical Breakthroughs
Conclusion
From the Paper "Cerebral palsy, because it influences the way children develop, is called a developmental disability; it is more prevalent in the United States today than any other developmental disability, with about two out of every thousand children born in the United States exhibiting some form of cerebral palsy. Approximately 500,000 people in the United States have some degree of cerebral palsy, with 5,000 infants and toddlers and 1,200 to 1,500 preschoolers diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. The United States has not system for monitoring the incidence of cerebral palsy, so there is no way to know if the incidence is increasing, decreasing or relatively static (About cerebral palsy Web site). "
Abstract The paper defines cerebral palsy as an overarching term that refers to or describes a group of related chronic disorders which impair the control of movement and commonly occurs in the first few years of life. The paper describes the various diagnostic tests that confirm the presence of cerebral palsy and the incidence rate today. The paper details the various causes of this disorder and what can be done to help students with these disabilities. The paper explains the use of the term management as opposed to treatment that consists of helping the child achieve maximum potential in growth and development.
Outline:
Overview and Diagnostic Criteria
Incidence Rate and Comorbidity
Prevalence
Course of the Disease
Causation Theories
How Do We Help Students With This Disability?
From the Paper "The term incidence refers to the "...annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Cerebral Palsy diagnosed each year." (Cerebral Palsy - Facts & Figures) Jones (1983) estimated that the incidence of cerebral palsy to be about 2 per thousand in the school age population. (Willard-Holt, 1998) Research indicates approximately that 764,000 children and adults in the United States manifest one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy." Currently, about 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with the condition each year. In addition, some 1,200 - 1,500 preschool age children are recognized each year to have cerebral palsy.""
Abstract One of the most interesting areas of scientific research these days is the brain. This paper discusses the important cerebral functions of memory storage and development of reality and consciousness. It shows how the brain is capable of storing past events in one of its several compartments, but it has to be done efficiently or else past events would encroach upon recent ones thus blurring the boundaries between conscious and unconscious worlds.
From the Paper "But while man does need to be able to recall past events, it is equally important for him to be able to separate past from present. For this he needs to know what reality is and where he is today and now. This may appear rather puzzling to someone who has just undertaken the study of brain, but it is nonetheless worth pondering. How does man know who he is and what reality actually is? In other words, in order to qualify as a normal rational human being, man needs to be able to separate conscious reality from the unconscious. But consciousness is not something tangible, it is one of those cerebral functions that cannot be explained in concert terms."
Abstract This paper attempts to investigate parents/caregivers' experiences with neurodevelopment intervention for children who suffer from cerebral palsy. The paper discusses four variables that influence the parent/caregiver experience. The paper explains that neurodevelopment treatment (NDT) is able to deliver treatment programs that are unique and tailor-made for every individual and this makes it relatively more successful than other treatment programs. The paper hopes that the research will change the way treatment-providers deal with parents/caregivers of children with mental disorders.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Summary of Some Important Findings
Dependent Variable
Independent Variables
Research Questions
Methodology
Ethical Issues
Data Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "Studies have shown that families have a great influence on the growth and development of handicapped children. The impact of handicapped children on the family is also well documented (Fewell, 1986). Amongst all mental disorders, Cerebral Palsy has shown to have the most profound impact on both families and children (Schleichkorn, 1983). Cerebral palsy has been defined as a mental disorder, which originates either before, or during, or immediately after birth, which restricts physical movement of a child. Gersh (1991a: 1991b) proved that children who suffer from restricted physical movement due to a brain disorder are more than likely to suffer from additional disorders, which too need special care."
Abstract This paper reviews several articles in medical databases that were located, read and compared in order to determine the importance of education to cerebral vascular incident (CVA) patients and their families. The paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the articles reviewed and concludes that additional studies must be performed to clarify what type of education and to what group and whether this education does anything more than inform.
From the Paper "A cerebral vascular accident (CVA), or commonly known as a stroke, impact approximately 500,000 individuals in the United States each year. According to the Encyclopedia of Aging (Scherer, 1982), a stroke occurs with a neurologic deficit from a disruption of vascular function. This may be the result of a partial or total blockage of blood vessels to the brain by a hemorrhage or blood clot. In the U.S., 50 percent of those suffering their first stroke are 70 or older; most are males. The most at risk for a stroke are those individuals with transient or mild neurologic events, a cardiac disease that predisposes them to embolism, and asymptomatic with a carotid bruit that indicates a blockage. Those who have experienced transient ischemic attacks, or indications of cerebrovascular disease, also have a high risk for stroke."
This paper reviews a December 2006 article from the journal "Clinical Rehabilitation" by D.J. Wiegerink et.al. titled 'Social and Sexual Relationships of Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Review'.
Abstract This paper explains that the objective of Wiegerink's article was to investigate possible barriers that exist in creating successful sexual and social relationships in adolescents and young adults of normal intelligence with cerebral palsy by analyzing fourteen papers, published from 1991 to 2002. The author points out that, although Wiegerink concludes that the development of sexual and social relationships in young adults and adolescents with cerebral palsy can be influenced by many factors, only four key factors---self-efficacy, sexual self-esteem, interrelationships with the parents' and successful experiences in social situations---were supported by evidence in the reviewed studies. The paper relates that one of the greatest flaws with Wiegerink's paper comes from the diversity of the initial papers it analyzes.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Key Concepts
Critical Analysis
Relevance to Course Material
Conclusion
From the Paper "Wiegerink et al.'s analysis revealed that the social relationships of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy tended to be less active. Dating was also delayed. Sexuality was often described as important, but difficulties in developing sexual relationships were described. Factors associated with social and sexual relationships included low sexual self esteem, low self-efficacy, and psychological maladjustment. Wiegerink et al. describe self-efficacy as "the belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations.""
Abstract The author examines the different ways in which the structure of the brain has been conceived, and looks at some of the areas of the brain associated with different functions such as "neurons", the resultant effects if these are damaged, the spinal cord, external stimuli to the brain and memory function.
From the paper:
?Beneath and behind the cerebral cortex, at the base of the brain, lies the cerebellum or ?little brain.? The cerebellum is most closely associated with coordinating voluntary movement (that is, movement under our conscious control) and with remembering complex physical tasks such as riding a bicycle or performing the steps in a dance.?
Abstract The following paper examines the way in which Barbara Lust, a psycho-linguist dismisses the old notion that children learn language through copying and discusses her view that it is the brain of a child that prepares him for learning the intricacies of a language. The paper also addresses some other important functions including the ones performed by the frontal lobes.
From the Paper "Cerebral functions are not exactly the easiest of things to grasp and comprehend, as brain itself is an organ full of intricate complexities. Brain is literally the main control room of the entire body and therefore whatever a man does, learns or says is directly or indirectly a function of the brain. It is therefore interesting to understand what are some of the most important and complex responsibilities of the brain.
One of the primary jobs of brain is to prepare us to react to what happens in our environment on daily basis. In other words, our brain is supposed to regulate our responses to circumstances, this is what keeps us alert and awake by storing recent memory in the frontal lobes of the brain which are often referred to as the Gatekeeper."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that a sure sign a child may have a learning disability is when his or her academic achievement is significantly lower than his or her overall cognitive ability would predict. This paper analyzes the growing evidence which states that genetics may play a role in assessing whether or not a child has a learning disability. This paper discusses the difficulty in correctly diagnosing learning disabilities while researchers and specialists claim that cerebral dysfunction may be a contributing factor, although this has yet to be confirmed. This paper examines the various forms of treatment which have proven successful yet must be tailored to meet the needs of each child. The writer stresses and explains that in order for treatment to be successful general education teachers and specialists must work together using a problem-solving approach.
Table of Contents:
Early Signs of Learning Disabilities
Causes
Assessment
Treatment
Learning Disabilities and Inclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Because learning disabilities can take so many forms, determining the cause can be difficult. Researchers assume some form of cerebral dysfunction, but often the precise reason for this cannot be identified. Some things that my contribute include trauma during birth, low birth weight, smoking by the mother while pregnant or alcohol consumption by the expected mother. Lead exposure in early child can be a contributor as 50% of children with documented lead poisoning show reading problems. Other contributors include some illnesses, such as some forms of meningitis, and chronic ear infections have been tied to some learning and communication problems."
Abstract This paper looks at the movie "My Left Foot" about Christy Brown who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and who was born to an archetypal Irish working-class family. The paper relates that the film portrays how Christy, despite his severe disability and impoverished status, displays hope and resilience and how, although he proves himself as an artist and a writer, he is a simple man who craves a normal life.
From the Paper "Despite his ability to produce creative paintings, which were often representative of his tumultuous emotions, Christy was nothing other than a simple boy trapped in the body of a complicated cripple. I do not suspect that Christy experienced depression or self-pity for lack of physical abilities, since he physically adapted well to his surroundings and handicaps. On the contrary, Christy fought his greatest battles in an effort to prove that his dissimilar shell held all of the same ingredients inherent in other human beings. In the end of the film, Christy mentions that he considered calling his memoir "Reminisces of a Mental Defective", a sign of the mental anguish he probably suffered and endured from lack of friends and intimate love. "
Abstract This paper explains the development, signs, symptoms and treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, agnosia and cerebral aneurysms. The author points out how these neurological disorders adversely affect the ability of the patient to handle everyday life situations. The paper concludes that having to endure any neurological disease adversely affects the patient's mental, emotional and social status as adults.
From the Paper "Many cerebral aneurysms can be caused by a type of trauma to the brain such a blunt impact from an automobile accident or a fall, an infection somewhere in the body or high cholesterol (atherosclerosis) which causes the arterial walls to harden. This disease can also occur due to any developmental disorder or birth defects, which occur more often in women than men. However, there are symptoms to look for when suspecting a cerebral aneurysm is present which include, seeing spots, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, black-outs, neck pain and headache."
