Brain Diseases Disorders Wait a minute What is

Brain Diseases & Disorders

Wait a minute… What is the difference between a disease and a disorder? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the cranium and upper neck (lateral view)

Disease vs. Disorder • In common usage, disease and disorder are interchangeable. • Even their definitions are unclear sometimes in science books. For our purposes: Disease: § transmittable § you can catch it § caused by something external Disorder: § not transmittable § you can’t catch it § caused by something inside – like genetics

Electrical Mechanical Chemical Causes of Brain Disorders& Diseases Mixed Cause Note: Environmental factors must always be considered in addition to those listed above.

Aphasia • An inability to use or understand language • Occurs because language areas become damaged (mechanical force, stroke, tumor…) • Damage to the brain is permanent. Speech and language therapy is possible.

Hydrocephalus • Literally means “water brain” • Occurs when there is a blockage in the natural flow of the CSF. • Treated by using surgical shunts – little devices which help drain the fluid off the brain.

Traumatic Brain Injury • Any mechanical force which damages the brain • Numerous symptoms arise (hemorrhages, hematomas, etc. ) • Primary treatment – stabilize and prevent further injury. Secondary – rehabilitation.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) • Occurs when blood vessels in the brain become disturbed. • This leads to a lack of blood flow and loss of that area • Treatment includes various medications or mechanical methods (removing blockages, etc. )

Bipolar Disorder • Caused by a number of factors: chemicals, environment, genetics… • Includes rapid cycles of moods. Highs – mania, lows depression • Treatment includes various medications and/or counseling.

Schizophrenia • Entomology – schizein, “to split” and phren, “mind” [Greek] • Can be caused by social, biological, and psychological factors and multiple brain regions • Treatment includes various medications (i. e. risperidone) and therapies

Phobias • From the Greek “phobos” – “fear” • Linked to the amygdala. The amygdala controls fear and agression. • Behavioral therapy, medicines, even using virtual reality to desensitize the fear Remind me to show you all the types of phobias online

Seizures • Caused by malfunctioning neurons in the brain • There are different types of seizures depending on severity and the parts of the brain they effect • Medicine and management

Addiction/Addictive Tendencies • Can manifest in many forms • Explained currently by a biopsychosocial model. (In English: genetics, your brain/mind, and environment/society influence this) • Treatments can be chemical or therapy related.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) • Many disorders fall in this area. The common thing is a lack of social skills. • Treatment is through therapy. Some “highfunctioning” individuals lead normal lives. Interesting, some display superior memory skills and can be geniuses in one area (i. e. piano)