Question

Module Readings: Early Ch 24 & Lippert Ch 6

Module Objectives:

1. Define the structures that make up the central nervous system.
2. Explain the importance of each structure as it relates to the overall function of the body
3. Compare and contrast the clinical presentations of L CVA and R CVA
4. Give examples of the functional implications of mild, moderate, and severe L and R CVA.
5. Provide general occupational therapy assessments & interventions for each.
6. Give examples of the special occupational therapy considerations (precautions etc) for each.

Answer 1

Q.1 Centeral nervous system is made up of brain and spinal cord. The brain is encased in the skull and protected by the cranium. The spinal cord is in the continuation to the brain and lies caudally to the brain.

Q.2 Spinal cord forms a vital link between the brain and the rest of the body and is part of the centeral nervous system. Together with the brain it controls bodily functions including movement and behaviour.

Nerves enter and exit the spinal cord of different points to control the various part of the body including the bladder. The strtch receptors of the bladder are connected to nerves which send signals up through the spine to the brain that now is the time to urinate.

Spinal cord control all the reflex actions that are done involuntarily and rapidly. The spinal cord control all voluntary reflex as well. The spinal cord is essentially the information processing center of the body. Other processing functions include regulate heart beat and regulate breathing thus it has a great importance.

Brain is divided into many different parts and these part had their own different function.

Brain control and co ordinate actions and reactions allows us to think and feel and enables us to have memories and feelings and all these things makes us human.

The greatest part of the brain is cerebrum. The cerebrum is further divided into many lobes these lobes had their own functions such as

Frontal lobe - it control our Behaviour, motor skills, problem solving , judgment, palnning and attention etc..

Parietal lobe - organize and interpreet sensory information from other part of the brain.

Temporal lobe - it has specific functions including visual memory verbal memory , interpreting emotions etc.

Occipital lobe - It takes part in read and recognizing the printing word such as you are doing now.

Cerebellum - it helps body maintain its posture , equlibrium and balance. Alcohol affect this part of brain so drunked people lost their control on their own body.

Thalamus - it acts as a relay station and also involves consciousness , sleep and memory.

Hypothalamus- it control the sleep wake cycle , control appetite , regulation of body temperature and controlling the production and release of the hormones.

Midbrain control eye movements.

Madulla oblongata helps incontrol some reflex such as sneezing coughing and breething and it is also called cardic and breathing centre.

Q.3 comparison of left and right hemisphere stroke -

Left CVA

-paralysis or weakness on right side of the body

- Right visual field deficit

- Aphasia ( expressive , receptive or global)

- slow , cautious behavior

- Altered intellectual ability

Right CVA

- paralysis or weakness on left side of the body.

- left visual field deficit

- spatial perceptual deficits

- increased distrctibility

- impulsive behavior and poor judgment.

-lack of awareness of deficits.