Key terms; Neurotransmitters, Neuroplasticity, CSF & Motor learning tools

Acetylcholine (Ach)

Plays a major role in the peripheral nervous system, also has actions in the brain related to selective attention

what autoimmune disease happens when Ach is effected

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

GABA

major inhibitory neurotransmitter,

what can affects GABA

activated by Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety & anticonvulsive) and barbiturates (tranquilizers) & Baclofen enhancing influence of GABA 

glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter, it activates the NMDA receptor, which is the receptor that is thought to influence learning and memory

what can glutamate impact

Overactivity may cause seizures - and excitotoxicity it can occur w/ an overabundance of this & may play a role in schizophrenia

(SZ add-in) neuroplasticity

Is the ability of neurons to change their structure, chemical profile of function, lasting longer than few seconds, and is not periodic 

pruning

eliminating excess neurons and synapses in the brain during development, allowing for more efficient neural connections (internet)

habituation

Decrease in neural response to stimulus 

what can OTs do with habituation

for sensory desensitization and sensory integration techniques 

collateral sprouting

Dendrites of neighboring neurons reinnervate a denervated target (new nerve branches grow to reinnervate target structure)

CSF

cerebrospinal fluid

CSF purpose

shock absorption, nutrients, waste removal

what condition can be seen with too much CSF

Hydrocephalus

what is the CSF made of

water, amino acids and ions

buoyancy

the CSF allows the brain to float, which helps to lessen it’s weight and protect the brain (internet SZ paraphrase)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Thought to induce synaptic plasticity via LTP or LTD. Used especially for motor learning and memory formation. Can also be used to make a temporary virtual lesion to see how different areas of the brain influence motor learning