PSYC 370 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Thalamus, Epileptogenesis, Autoimmune Disease
9 May 2013
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Document Summary
Six causes of brain damage: brain tumours, cerebrovascular disorders, closed-head injuries, infections of the brain, neurotoxins and genetic factors. Tumor (neoplasm): a mass of cells that grows independently of the rest of the body. About 20% of the tumors found in the human brain are meningiomas (grow between the meninges) Encapsulated tumors: tumors that grow within their own membranes: almost always benign. Benign tumors: tumors that are surgically removable with little risk of further growth in the body. Infiltrating tumors: tumors that grow diffusely through surrounding tissues. Malignant tumors: tumors that may continue to grow in the body even after attempted surgical removal. Metastatic tumors: tumors that originate in one organ and spread to another: about 10% of brain tumors originate this way. Neuromas are tumors that grow on nerves or tracts. Stokes: sudden-onset cerebrovascular disorders that cause brain damage: common consequences of stroke are amnesia, aphasia (language difficulties), paralysis, and coma.
