Problem II: Alec was just minding his own business one day when he entered his k

Question

Problem II: Alec was just minding his own business one day when he entered his kitchen. Unbeknownst to him, a heavy glass light cover was loose and, precisely when he walked under it, it dropped on his head. Alec was a bit dazed but otherwise felt fine afterwards. A couple of weeks later, Alec began experiencing seizures. He went to the doctor who decided to go ahead and perform the necessary tests to confirm his diagnosis.

1. (5 pts) What is epilepsy?

2. (10 pts) Describe how to conduct an EEG and MRI that are commonly used to diagnose epilepsy.

3. A. (10 pts) Would a glutamate agonist or antagonist be an effective treatment for epilepsy? Explain.

B. (10 pts) Would a GABA receptor agonist or antagonist be an effective treatment for epilepsy? Explain.

Explanation / Answer

1. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the nerve cell activity in brain gets disturbed which causes seizures. The seizures can happen in in episodes of brief period or long period of vigorous shaking. There is continuous generation of electrical impulses in brain which causes seizures.

2. In EEG small electrodes and wires are attached to head. The electrode detects brain wave and the EEG machine amplifies the signal and records them in the form of wave on graph paper or screen.

Before going inside the MRI room, all the metals are removed as MRI involves strong magnetic field. MRI scanner is a short cylinder where both the ends are open. Patient lies on a motorized bed, the bed then slides inside the scanner, a frame is placed on the body part which has to be scanned, the frame consists of receivers which receives signal from the part being scanned. This signal helps in formation of image on the computer.

3

A. Yes. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitters in brain. During excitation sodium and calcium ions move inside the cell and potassium moves outside the cell. Glutamate helps in movement of these ions in the cell. Glutamate antagonist prevent glutamate in movement of ions in the cells thus prevents excitation. This prevents impulse transmission from one neuron to other. Example: Barbiturates.

B. Yes. GABA is a inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain. It inhibits transmission of impulses in brain. GABA helps chloride ion to enter inside the neuron cell and causes resting membrane potential due to which impulse is not sent. GABA receptor agonist effectively increases movement of chloride inside the neuron cell thus causing stoppage of nerve impulses. Example: Benzodiazapien.

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