Tourette Syndrome Essay Example For Students

Tourette Syndrome Essay Tourette Syndrome was named for Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the syndrome in 1885. Although the disease was identified in 1885, today in 1996, there still is a mystery surrounding Tourette Syndrome, its causes and possible cures. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that researchers believe is caused by and abnormal metabolism of the neurotransmitters dopamire and serotonin. It is genetically transmitted from parent to child. There is a fifty percent chance of passing the gene on from parent to child (Gaffy,Ottinger). Those most at risk are sons of mothers with Tourette Syndrome. About three-quarters of Tourette Syndrome patients are male. Males with the disorder have a ninety-nine percent chance of displaying symptoms. Females, have a seventy percent chance of displaying symptoms. This ration of 3-4:1 for males and females may be accounted for by referral bias. Also, there is a frequent number of reported cases within the Mennonite religious isolate pop ulation in Canada. The specific genetic transmission however, has not been established. Some researchers believe that the mar is on an autosomal dominant trait. Some cases however are sporadic, and there may not be a link to family history involved. These cases are mild however, and not full blown. The onset of Tourette Syndrome must be before the age of fifteen, and usually occurs after the age of two. The mean age onset of motor tics is seven. The mean age onset for vocal tics is nine. In order for a person to be classified as having Tourette Syndrome they must have both multiple motor tics and vocal tics. These tics however do not have to occur everyday. In fact, affected individuals may rarely exhibit all of the symptoms, or all of the tics. The vocal and motor tics must also occur within the same year, for a person to be classified as having Tourette Syndrome. Symptoms can disappear for weeks or months at a time. However if people afflicted with the syndrome try and suppress th eir tics, they will reoccur with increased ferver. Tics increase as a result of tension or stress, and decrease with relaxation or concentration on absorbing a task. Tics are classified into two groups: complex and simple tics. Simple tics are movements or vocalizations which are completely uncomprehendable and meaningless to those not suffering from the disorder (Peiss). Complex tics are movements or vocalizations which make use of more than one muscle group to appear to be meaningful (Peiss). Simple motor tics are: eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging or facial grimacing. Simple vocal tics are: throat clearing, coughing, snorting, baiting, yelping. Examples of complex motor tics include: jumping, touching over people, and or things, smelling, stomping loudly, making obscene gestures, hitting or biting oneself. Complex vocal tics are any understandable words given out of context, and may including echoing and repetition. Other problems associated with Tourette Syndrome in clude Attention-Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity Disorder, disinhibition, obsessive compulsive disorder, dyslexia and other various learning disabilities, and various sleep disorders. People with Tourette Syndrome do tend to present more other Axis 1 disorders than the rest of the normal population not afflicted with the syndrome. People with Tourette Syndrome are also afflicted with obsessions of contamination, disease, sexual impulses, self harm, being just right, and death. We will write a custom essay on Tourette Syndrome specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Sixty percent of those who are diagnosed as having Tourette Syndrome will also display some type of learning disorder. Such disorders include: having difficulty organizing work, having difficulty playing quietly, talking excessively, interrupting and intruding on others, having a shorter attention span, losing necessary materials for school and home, and engaging in physically dangerous activity, with no thought given to the ramifications of their actions. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is also found in sixty percent of those with Tourette Syndrome. Those with ADHD are easily distracted, has difficulty getting along in groups, shifts from activity to activity, often blurts out answers before asked, and fidgets with hands, feet, or squirms in seat. Although these symptoms may seem fairly similar it Tourette Syndrome, it is important to remember that Tourette Syndrome is a genetically inherited disease. These other complexes are merely brought on by the neurological imbalance which affects the brain of those afflicted. Tourette Syndrome cannot be treated as a whole. Medications must be issued for the different aspects of the disease. For example, Tics and movements are treated with Neuoleptics, Clonidine and SErotonin Drugs, which are prozac-like. These drugs are very good for treating muscle spasms as well as tremors. However the side effects may be unpleasant. Therefore the patients under such drugs must be monitored for the liver and heart. The Medical Treatment for OCD is augmenting dopamine agents (Orap) or Klonopin. These drugs help curtail depression, but how genital-urinary side-effects. The ADHD in Tourette Syndrome are treated with Ritalin because the tics may not increase if used in reasonable dosages. Hyperactivity is also curtailed. The side effects of Ritalin are urinary problems, skin changes, EEG monitor, and EKG monitor as well. The Tics may also be controlled by visits to doctors office, talking to friends, and staying away from social gatherings, and learning to deal with emotional trauma. Help however is available for Tourette Syndrome. The goals of health professionals concerning this disorder is to clarify reasons for school problems, and to develop and individualized multimodality treatment program.

4 Steps of Cardiac Conduction

4 Steps of Cardiac Conduction Have you ever wondered what causes your heart to beat? Your heart beats as a result of the generation and conduction of electrical impulses. Cardiac conduction is the rate at which the heart conducts electrical impulses. These impulses cause the heart to contract and then relax. The constant cycle of heart muscle contraction followed by relaxation causes blood to be pumped throughout the body. Cardiac conduction can be influenced by various factors including exercise, temperature, and endocrine system hormones. Step 1: Pacemaker Impulse Generation The first step of cardiac conduction is impulse generation. The sinoatrial (SA) node (also referred to as the pacemaker of the heart) contracts, generating nerve impulses that travel throughout the heart wall. This causes both atria to contract. The SA node is located in the upper wall of the right atrium. It is composed of nodal tissue that has characteristics of both muscle and nervous tissue. Step 2: AV Node Impulse Conduction The atrioventricular (AV) node lies on the right side of the partition that divides the atria, near the bottom of the right atrium. When the impulses from the SA node reach the AV node, they are delayed for about a tenth of a second. This delay allows atria to contract and empty their contents into the ventricles prior to ventricle contraction. Step 3: AV Bundle Impulse Conduction The impulses are then sent down the atrioventricular bundle. This bundle of fibers branches off into two bundles and the impulses are carried down the center of the heart to the left and right ventricles. Step 4: Purkinje Fibers Impulse Conduction At the base of the heart, the atrioventricular bundles start to divide further into Purkinje fibers. When the impulses reach these fibers they trigger the muscle fibers in the ventricles to contract. The right ventricle sends blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. The left ventricle pumps blood to the aorta. Cardiac Conduction and the Cardiac Cycle Cardiac conduction is the driving force behind the cardiac cycle. This cycle is the sequence of events that occur when the heart beats. During the diastole phase of the cardiac cycle, the atria and ventricles are relaxed and blood flows into the atria and ventricles. In the systole phase, the ventricles contract sending blood to the rest of the body. Cardiac Conduction System Disorders Disorders of the hearts conduction system can cause problems with the hearts ability to function effectively. These problems are typically the result of a blockage that diminishes the rate of speed at which impulses are conducted. Should this blockage occur in one of the two atrioventricular bundle branches that lead to the ventricles, one ventricle may contract more slowly than the other. Individuals with bundle branch block typically dont experience any symptoms, but this issue can be detected with an electrocardiogram (ECG). A more serious condition, known as heart block, involves the impairment or blockage of electrical signal transmissions between the hearts atria and ventricles. Heart block electrical disorders range from first to third degree and are accompanied by symptoms ranging from light-headedness and dizziness to palpitations and irregular heartbeats.

HIroshima Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

HIroshima Discussion - Essay Example This paper will review some of the characteristics of the bomb survivors, the miraculous incidents in the bombing and Truman’s press release after the bombing. In relation to miraculous occurrences, there are individuals that thought that their chances for survival were pretty limited or close to non-existent. They include Mrs. Nakamura, Mrs. Sasaki and Father Kleinsorge. Mrs. Nakamura who suffered from radiation poisoning fought furiously and regained her health. This was despite the fact that the radiation illness had affected her health in levels that doctors had concluded would never be reversed. Father Kleinsorge was affected by the bomb and its effects. He was seriously wounded, and despite all this, he tried to rescue people even though he thought he was to die from the effects of the bomb that made him loose blood from his wounds that kept reopening (Hersey, p 34-41). Mrs. Sasaki also recovers unexpectedly after the effects of radiation and the injuries she sustained from the collapsing of her house. This can be seen as both scientific and religious recoveries since science and medicine played a role in their wellness while they ha d hope and faith to get well. Science provided the much needed medicine and scientific support that was needed by the survivors of the blast. Their spiritual mindsets also contributed in ensuring that they believed that they would overcome what they were experiencing (Hersey, p 47). Truman describes the atomic bomb as the most potent explosive device whose output is exclusively from fission reactions. This device is a marvelous new power that can be used to overpower enemies. The book is an official non-fiction piece of work that explains an account of the bombing attack from the victims and their families view points. The book is just as monumental as the bombing incident

The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design Essay

The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design - Essay Example The essay "The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design" discusses postmodernism and minimalism through the architecture. This paper discovers what values of minimalism applied in architectural design as a process. The grand restructuring optimisms of the 1920s, of Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, had been stranded on the movement of social pragmatism. In the course of actions, the hopes of an architecture that might promote the public good of humanity were interpreted as elitist and minimalist, with an old-fashioned touch of Calvinist belief and frugality. After the filth had receded and the crooked steelwork had been put away, the site was settled for the antidote newbie postmodernism, which provided pluralism in replacement of uniformity, and bliss, happiness and intelligence in place of the washed out white walls of a succeeding reformation. While they paraded their way on to the vacant building location, the champions of postmodernism carri ed with them a shortened history that lessened the genuine complexity and ingenuity of modernism. The revolution in architectural design that had prevailed in the century was represented as the triumph of the square or the box, the flexible case as universal packaging, or as an embodiment of a Protestant Reformation placing confidence in the liberating features of industrialisation and democracy. In criticizing modernism as minimalist, the supporters of postmodernism cited a history that was itself similarly minimalist and ordinary.

My writing skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My writing skills - Essay Example My three essays addressed different audiences, which required me to use different strategies. In my rhetoric essay, I was not precise in my writing. However, I was able to improve on this and my second and third essays were more specific and clear. The different essays have enabled me to improve my vocabulary use and sentence structure. In the different essays, I have had the privilege of addressing different audiences and make use of different writing strategies. This enabled me to realize the effectiveness of different persuasive strategies. In addition, I was able to develop different writing skills distinct to the different audiences. In the Rhetoric essay, I devoted my essay to an academic audience. I focused on analyzing a piece of work by a pronounced author. My rhetoric strategies were considered poor. I could not differentiate the different persuasive styles used in the essay. Moreover, the introduction of the essay was poorly written. Additionally, my thesis was not well st ated. The essay lacked a flow and the ideas were poorly phrased. As I read the essay, I noticed several things that I would change if I had to rewrite the essay again. For example, I did not explain how David Brooks made use of different rhetoric strategies to persuade the audience. My essay just mentioned that Brooks was persuasive without explaining how. However, analyzing David Brooks work was crucial to my writing. I was able to learn the different writing strategies used in persuasive.... The second essay was an argumentative essay. In this essay, it is clear that my writing skills had improved. I was able to state my viewpoint clearly. Additionally, the essay demonstrated excellent debating skills. In this essay, I shared arguments and counterarguments on why companies should start focusing on environmental protection and avoid focusing on economic profits. I ensured that I was open-minded and based my arguments on facts. Although I stated my stand, I ensured that my tone was convincing. For example, I explained the effects of company operations on the environment. I was able to convince the corporate audiences why it is advisable for them to adopt policies that will enable them invest in environment protection. In this essay, I realized that my persuasive strategies had improved. I was able to establish facts and use them to support my arguments. Additionally, I ensured that my arguments were organized in order of their priority, which helped me to build a strong ar gument. Additionally, my conclusions were clear and were based on facts. The third essay focused on why corporation, organizations, and governments should concentrate on cooperation and not competition. The controversy essay enabled me to establish ways of convincing the audience to support my arguments. In this essay, I pinpointed the demerits that arise when organizations adopt competitive strategies. I was able to draw the readers’ attention to the different issues surrounding competition and cooperation. I gave examples of how competition results in elimination of some companies from the market and how this affects the economy. Moreover, I explained how cooperation results into a win-win aftermath resulting in success of both parties. On the other hand, I was

Clinically Isolated Syndrome and MS

Clinically Isolated Syndrome and MS CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1.1 Terminology Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a central nervous system demyelinating event isolated in time that is may or may not lead to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a term that describes a first clinical episode with features suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). It usually occurs in young adults (19-30 years old) and affects optic nerves, the brainstem, or the spinal cord. Although patients usually recover from their presenting episode. (1) The term â€Å"clinically isolated syndrome† (CIS) is used to describe a first episode of neurologic episode that lasts at least 24 hours and is caused by inflammation and demyelination in one or more sites in the central nervous system (CNS). CIS may be presented as monofocal or multifocal: Monofocal episode:The person experiences a single neurologic sign or symptom such as an attack of optic neuritis that is caused by a single lesion. Multifocal episode:The person experiences more than one sign or symptom such as an attack of optic neuritis accompanied by weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis) that is caused by lesions in more than one place in CNS. Individuals who experience a CIS may or may not go on to develop MS. In diagnosing CIS, the physician faces two challenges: first, to determine whether the patient is experiencing a neurologic episode caused by damage of the CNS, and second, to determine the possibility that a person experiencing this type of demyelinating episode is having high risk to develop MS. Of the people who are eventually diagnosed with MS, 85% experienced a first attack that is referred to as a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). (1) If an MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord shows evidence suggestive of MS at the time of a clinically isolated syndrome or at the time of a second episode, then MS will be diagnosed. However, not all patients who experience a clinically isolated syndrome will go to develop MS (2). For many patients, there will be no MRI evidence suggestive of MS and no further symptoms or episodes. 1.2 history The first journal article including the term â€Å"clinically isolated syndrome† appeared only 20 years ago .Increasing availability of  magnetic resonance technology in the 80s improved diagnosis of  CNS  demyelinating disorders, and the arrival of disease-modifying medications for  multiple sclerosis  starting in mid-90s increased the importance of correct diagnosis and treatment. Long term follow up studies of patients presenting with an isolated clinical syndrome characteristic of multiple sclerosis led to the identification of risk factors for conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (3). Today, no uniform consensus definition for a clinically isolated syndrome exists. In 2008, a panel of multiple sclerosis experts recommended that a clinically isolated syndrome be defined as a monophasic presentation with suspected underlying inflammatory demyelinating disease and recommended 5 subtypes based on monofocal or multifocal symptoms, presence or absence of asymptomatic MRI lesions, or patients without symptoms but with a suggestive MRI (3,4). 1.3 Epidemiology A study was made to determine whether the incidence of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) the precursor form of multiple sclerosis (MS) that encompasses optic neuritis and transverse myelitis as well as other clinical presentations, varies by race/ethnicity in a multi-ethnic, population-based cohort (5). The methods that was used is based on electronic record searches and complete medical records review to identify all newly diagnosed CIS and MS cases in the population-based, multiethnic membership of Southern California Kaiser Permanente (KPSC) between 2008 and 2009. The KPSC membership contributed 7,410,754 person-years of observation during the study period and the racial/ethnic distribution was 36.5% white, 8.6% black, 43.4% Hispanic, 9.3% Asian/Pacific Islanders (Asian/PI) and 1.9% other (6). The results were the identification of 254 incident cases of CIS cases who did not yet met McDonald criteria for MS and did not have other obvious causes (viral, lupus, ischemia). The most common clinical presentation was optic neuritis (48.4%) followed by transverse myelitis (32.7%), other forms of mono-regional CIS (9.8%) and poly-regional CIS (9.1%). The average age at diagnosis with CIS was 42.9 years (range 14.8-80.8) and 70.5% were women. Among CIS cases, the racial/ethnic distribution was 47.6% white, 12.6% black, 33.1% Hispanic, 4.3% Asian/PI and 2.4% other. The incidence of CIS was 3.4 per 100,000 person-years. Incidence of CIS was higher in black (5.1, 95%CI=3.5-7.1) and white, non-Hispanic individuals (4.5, 95%CI=3.7-5.3) compared with white, Hispanic (2.6, 95%CI=2.1-3.2) and Asian/PI individuals (1.6, 95% CI = 0.8 2.9; p In conclusion the incidence of CIS is 3.4 per 100,000 person-years in a multi-ethnic, population-based cohort of Southern Californians. The incidence of CIS is higher in black and white individuals compared with Hispanic and Asian/PI individuals.6) 1.4 Risk of developing multiple sclerosis after clinically isolated syndrome Studies suggest that people who experienced a clinically isolated syndrome have a less than 50% risk of developing MS within five years of experiencing the initial symptoms (7). There is no single examination that can determine whether a person who experiences a clinically isolated syndrome will or will not go to develop MS. However, researchers have tried to identify factors that might influence the possibility of developing MS and help differentiate between people who have a higher and lower risk to develop MS. Though these classifications do not establish absolute risk of developing MS, they may help to guide people in making decisions about further testing or treatment (1,7). Figure 1: Progression of the disease for CIS and MS types. Source https://sbvimprover.com Factors that influence the likelihood of developing MS: 1. Type of clinically isolated syndrome Many studies have shown that different types of clinically isolated syndrome (i.e. transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, brainstem syndrome) in relation to the risk of developing MS. These studies suggest that optic neuritis is associated with a lower risk of developing MS and better long-term outcome than other types of clinically isolated syndromes (7). 2. Symptoms experienced during a clinically isolated syndrome Isolated sensory symptoms, which include tingling, numbness, or visual impairment are thought to be associated with a lower risk of developing MS compared to the presence of symptoms of motor system involvement , which are associated with a higher risk .(1) 3. MRI markers A brain MRI scan at the time of the clinical episode of CIS is thought to be the most useful predictive tool. A normal MRI scan showing no lesions is associated with a lower risk of developing MS. In the other hand, a brain scan that shows a high number or volume of lesions is associated with a higher risk of developing MS (1,7). 4. Laboratory markers A test that is used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of MS is a lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture involves removing and analyzing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), specific markers in the cerebrospinal fluid have the ability to indicate MS activity. Studies have investigated whether analysis of CSF can help predict the possibility of developing MS after a clinically isolated syndrome. One of these studies was based on the data of 40 patients who presented with a clinically isolated syndrome and have been examined with MRI scanning and CSF analyzing within the following two months. Of the 15 patients who developed MS, 14 had abnormalities on MRI and 13 tested positive for markers of disease activity in their CSF. The risk of developing MS was significantly higher in patients who tested positive in CSF analysis and had abnormalities on their first MRI scan compared to patients who were negative for both or one of the tests (7,8). However, because it is less useful as a predictive tool than MRI, a lumbar puncture is not routinely recommended in cases of CIS as described in Table (1). High risk Low risk Motor system symptoms Isolated sensory symptoms High number and volume of brain lesion on MRI Normal brain MRI Table (1): Symptoms in high risk and low risk to develop MS In conclusion motor system symptoms and high number and volume of lesion on brain MRI are indicative of high risk of developing MS, in the other hand isolated sensory symptoms and normal brain MRI are most probably with low risk of developing MS (7).

A film adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude :: English Literature

A film adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude Intent We have reached an age, where most things are done through TV and cinema. It is unfortunate many people do not read many books anymore. People would rather sit for a few hours in a dark room eating popcorn and watching a screen. In my opinion it is necessary for more books to be adapted in films. Some people might argue whether a great book such as Madame Bovary and The Great Gatsby can shine in the same light with a film adaptation. With the film techniques available and the great talent this is very possible. I am a strong believer that watching an excellent movie on Pride and Prejudice or any other literary masterpiece is equal to reading the book. For this reason I have taken on the responsibility of adapting chapter 1 of One Hundred Years of Solitude. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a novel about a family, the Buendias living in a town called Macondo. The novel is postmodern. There are many instances where time jumps around. Along with the postmodernism feel there is also an element of magical realism. The magical realism is where characters can do things that are not possible in real life. In example of this is Remedios’s ability to fly in the air and go away. The elements of postmodern and magical realism make One Hundred Years of Solitude a difficult novel to adapt. For this particular paper I have chosen to adapt chapter 1. Chapter 1 includes flashbacks, magical realism, and the encounters with the gypsies. I have chosen chapter 1 because it includes the elements the novel is based on. The title of my film on One Hundred Years of Solitude is Opportunity. The main reason I have chosen this title because it is rooted in the last sentence of the novel, â€Å"†¦Aureliano Babilonia would finish deciphering the parchments, and that everything written on them was unrepeatable since time immemorial and forever more, because races condemned to one hundred year of solitude did not have a second opportunity on earth (Gabriel Garcia Marquez 448). In this quote, Marquez discusses how civilization with cease to be if there continues to be the solitude that is outlined in One Hundred Years of Solitude. Because the Buendia was the first attempt at a ‘perfect’ world, I have called it Opportunity, since this family was the first opportunity at the ‘utopia’. By adapting chapter 1 of One Hundred Years of Solitude I hope to show that a film can be just as or better than the novel it is based on.