My Final Project for Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life

1. Elaheh Ghorbani

2. When I wanted to choose the topic of my master thesis, I
chose multiple sclerosis. I went to the MS patients
association in Tehran and started working with them. Before
that, I did not know much about this disease and had only
read about it in books. During the 6-7 months I was going
there, I saw some interesting things. People who have been
struggling with the advanced form of this disease for years
but were able to prevent its severe attacks. People who had
very weak spirits despite the few attacks and the stopping
type of this disease.

3. MS had also affected the speech of some people. I was working on
cognitive impairment and perceived social support in them. The
more interesting point was that people who had perceived social
support had a better recovery process or experienced fewer
progressive attacks. What is more interesting is that these supports
may not even exist in real form, but as soon as the person perceives
even a small amount of support and accepts that the people
around him are by his side, the condition of his illness would
be better.
Despite the explanations given in MS disease and its
neurobiology, but as Professor Mason said: You are the boss.
You and your neocortex are the boss. And on the other hand,
since human is a social being, this connection and
understanding of the support of those around him/her can
have an effect on him/her. Even in cases related to disease
and affecting hormones and biology of people.
Now, with these explanations, I want to give some
general information about the neurobiology of MS that I
learned from this course :

4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological
disorder that affects the central nervous
system, particularly the myelinated axons.

5. I remember that time , I interviewed with one
of those friend, Mahtab, who was a computer
programmer and has been diagnosed with MS.
Mahtab occasionally experiences flare-ups,
during which he encounters difficulties in
carrying out his daily tasks and struggles to
work at his usual capacity.

6. 1. Identification of Active Nervous System
Components:
The nervous system consists of two main components :
the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the
brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous
system (PNS), which comprises the nerves outside of
the CNS. In the case of Mahtab's MS, the CNS is
primarily affected.
2. Functions Apparent and Impaired in MS :
Motor Abilities: MS can impair motor abilities due to
damage to the myelin sheath, which is responsible for
insulating and protecting nerve fibers. The impaired
myelin disrupts the transmission of nerve signals,
leading to various motor problems such as muscle
weakness, lack of coordination, and difficulty with
balance.

7. Visual Abilities : In individuals with MS , the
neurobiological impact extends beyond motor and
sensory functions to include visual abilities. MS
commonly affects the optic nerves due to
demyelination, leading to a condition known as optic
neuritis. This disruption in the optic nerves impairs the
transmission of visual information from the eyes to the
brain, affecting crucial aspects of visual ability such as
acuity and color perception. The damage to the neural
pathways involved in vision is a significant
manifestation of the disease, contributing to symptoms
like blurred vision, double vision, or even temporary
vision loss.

8. 3. Analysis of MS and its Effects:
I relate Mahtab's experiences with the course
material on MS and neuroanatomy. Professor Mason's
lectures on MS and the module on anatomy provide
insights into the specific pathways affected in MS. By
referencing these resources, I explain how the
damaged myelin disrupts the transmission of nerve
signals along the affected axons.

9.  Emotional Function in MS :
MS, beyond its physical manifestations, significantly
influences emotional processing. Lesions in areas of the
brain associated with emotional regulation, such as the
limbic system, can lead to mood disorders and
emotional lability in individuals with MS. Understanding
how neural disruptions contribute to emotional
challenges provides insight into the emotional toll of
living with this condition.
 Language Function in MS :
Language, a complex cognitive function, relies on
precise neural orchestration. In MS, lesions affecting
the white matter pathways connecting language
centers can result in linguistic impairments. This may
manifest as difficulties in word retrieval, speech
fluency, and comprehension. Investigating these neural
disruptions allows us to appreciate the multifaceted
nature of linguistic challenges faced by individuals with
MS.

10.  Identification of Active Nervous System Parts :
Emotion and language processing involve diverse neural
regions. Emotional regulation often engages the limbic
system, including the amygdala and hippocampus,
while language function relies on areas such as Broca's
area for production and Wernicke's area for
comprehension. In MS, demyelination in these regions
contributes to emotional and linguistic disturbances.

11.  Functions and Impairments :
Lesions in emotionally relevant areas can result in
heightened emotional responses or mood disorders,
impacting an individual's overall well-being. In terms of
language, disruptions may lead to aphasia, dysarthria,
or other language-related difficulties. Recognizing
these impairments allows for a more comprehensive
understanding of the challenges individuals with MS
face in their daily lives.

12. 4. Understanding the Flare-up Process:
To better understand the process behind Mahtab 's
flare-ups, I summarize it in my own words. During a
flare-up, the immune system mistakenly attacks the
myelin, leading to inflammation and damage. This
disrupts the flow of electrical impulses and causes
various symptoms, including fatigue, pain, and impaired
motor function.

13. 5. Reflection on the Course's Impact:
This course has significantly enhanced my ability to
analyze neurobiological events and phenomena. It has
provided me with a solid foundation in understanding
the nervous system's structure and function, enabling
me to comprehend the mechanisms underlying
conditions like MS. Through studying neurobiology, I
have gained empathy and a deeper understanding of
the suffering experienced by individuals like Mahtab.
This newfound knowledge equips me to provide support
and help others comprehend their own hardships.

14.  Conclusion :
This project focused on a personal example of everyday
neurobiology by examining the impact of MS on motor
abilities. By analyzing the nervous system components
involved, describing the apparent and impaired
functions, and relating the example to course material,
I have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of
the subject matter. Additionally, I have highlighted how
this course has enriched my ability to analyze
neurobiological phenomena and fostered empathy
towards individuals facing neurological challenges.
Integrating the knowledge gained from the course will
enhance my understanding as a psychologist of the
subtle interplay between neural function, emotion, and
language in the context of MS.

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