QUESTION 6
- Explain the purpose of the blood-brain barrier and how it functions. Include discussion of the types of substances that can pass through and effect the brain.
Your response should be at least 500 words in length.
CASE STUDY:
Joe Devlin, a 32-year-old graphic artist, has been admitted to the neurology ward for further investigations. Mr. Devlin has a history of fatigue and numbness to his left lower leg and foot, and has recently experienced falls because of this. He is now also complaining of numbness to his hands. He is very anxious because his maternal grandmother also experienced similar symptoms and was found to be suffering from multiple sclerosis.
On neurological examination, he has absent abdominal reflexes with brisk tendon jerks and bilateral extensor plantar responses. Blood investigations are normal including hemoglobin (spelled “haemoglobin” in your textbook) and white cell count. A lumbar puncture is carried out. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) investigation results show oligoclonal lgG bands that are not found in normal CSF, but are found in 90% of patients with multiple sclerosis. In the absence of clinical signs of infection, this test is almost diagnostic of multiple sclerosis.
- Discuss the signs and symptoms that Mr. Devlin is experiencing.
- Discuss the role of pharmacological interventions in managing Mr. Devlin’s condition.
- Outline the immediate care that Mr. Devlin will require.
- Discuss the health promotion advice Mr. Devlin may require to remain safe.
Save your answers as a word document and submit for grading.
MATCHING:
a.
Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
b.
Have a lifespan of around 120 days.
c.
Part of PNS responsible for muscle contractions and conscious activities.
d.
Have a life span of a few days to a few years.
e.
Responsible for the fight or flight response.
f.
The main function of leucocytes.
g.
Makes up 25% of white blood cells.
h.
The hormone that controls the production of red blood cells.
i.
Divided into two major sections, central and peripheral.
j.
Responsible for regulation of the body’s involuntary functions.
k.
The main function of erythrocytes.
l.
Small blood cells that seal holes in the blood vessels.
m.
Controls internal responses associated with a state of relaxation.
n.
Breakdown of old red blood cells carried out by macrophages.
o.
Consists of the nerves that carry impulses to and from the spinal cord.
Nervous System
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic division
Somatic Nervous System
Parasympathetic division
Erythropoietin
Lymphocytes
Platelets
Haemolysis
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Transportation
Protection