Download Split My Brain—Questions and Answers Part One

Split My Brain—Questions and Answers Part One Q: Why is there electrical activity in the brain? Describe how it is use by neurons.
A: Electrical activity exists in the brain because there are millions of neurons cells
sending information down each axon, and there are billions of axons in the brain.
Because of the amount of energy it generates a small amount of electricity, approximately
the same amount as a 60-Watt bulb.
Q: What happens in the brain during a seizure?
A: Seizures occur when the nerve cells fire more rapidly and with less control than usual,
resulting in symptoms such as uncontrolled muscle actions.
Q: What is epilepsy? How is it diagnosed?
A: Epilepsy is a brain disorder involving spontaneous, repeated nerve cell malfunctions
that result in seizures. In order to diagnose it, blood samples are taken to ascertain that the
patient did not have a seizure due to drug abuse, allergens, or viral infections, then scans
such as MRIs and EEGs are executed to locate abnormal brain activity.
Q: What are the procedures for doing an EEG test and an MRI scan? What type of
information does each of these tests provide?
A: For an EEG, electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp that sense brain waves and
record them on a monitor. This test reveals any unusual brain activity happening within
the patient. An MRI is a scan that reveals pictures of what is occurring in any part of the
body being scanned, which can reveal abnormalities in that tissue.
Q: What are some possible causes of seizures other than epilepsy?
A: Seizures can also spawn from drug abuse, extreme dehydration, serious viral
infections, allergic reactions, and extremes stress.
Q: Based on the information in the case, what type of seizures does Jerrod appear to be
having?
A: Jerrod appears to be having partial seizures.
Q: What should you do during a seizure to help Jerrod?
A: To help Jerrod during a seizure, you should keep him still to prevent his writhing
from ending up injuring himself; you should ascertain he is breathing, and, even when he
is not having a seizure, never leave him unattended, especially around water, to keep him
from drowning of he does have a seizure.
Q: What are some treatments for epilepsy?
A: Various medications, such as Trileptol and Diastat, can help prevent seizures or stop
seizures in action. Cutting out affected parts of the brain is a potential cure, and an
implanted magnetic device called a VNS helps to stimulate the brain with electrical
signals when a magnet is swiped over the site, which also prevents and helps stop
seizures.
Information sources courtesy of Ask.com.