PSYC 211 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Postcentral Gyrus, Temporal Lobe, Calcarine Sulcus
8 Sep 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
The problem is caused by localized region of the brain that contained scar tissue. Periodically, this region would irritate the surrounding areas, triggering epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures: wild, sustained firing of cerebral neurons that result in cognitive disruption and sometimes uncontrolled movements. Ryan"s seizure focus was located in the left side of the brain in the medial temporal lobe. During surgery, he was awake and only locally anesthetized for pain. The doctor cut the scalp, drilled in to remove a piece of the skull, and folded back the thick membrane to get to the brain. The surgeon cut away all the abnormal tissues to remove a seizure focus while sparing brain tissue that performs important functions such as production and comprehension of speech. He placed a metal probe against ryan"s bran to determine which parts he can safely remove. He pressed a pedal that delivered a weak electrical current.
