This article discusses the presence of consciousness in children born with hydranencephaly, a rare condition where the cerebral hemispheres are absent or severely compromised. While it is widely believed that these children lack consciousness, the article reviews evidence that some hydranencephalic children exhibit behaviors indicating basic levels of consciousness, such as recognizing faces, responding preferentially to familiar people/stimuli, and learning associations. However, whether they experience reflective consciousness remains controversial. The article concludes the evidence for some level of consciousness in these children is more convincing than arguments against it.
The research showing how exposure to extreme stress affects
brain function is making important contributions to understanding the nature of traumatic stress. This includes the notion that traumatized individuals are vulnerable to react to sensory information with sub-cortically initiated responses that are irrelevant, and often harmful, in the present. Reminders of traumatic experiences activate brain regions that support intense emotions, and decrease activation in the central nervous system (CNS) regions involved in (a) the integration of sensory input with motor output, (b) the modulation of physiological arousal, and (c) the capacity to communicate experience in words. Failures of attention and memory in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) interfere with the capacity to engage in the present: traumatized individuals “lose their way in the world.” This article discusses the implications of this research by suggesting that effective treatment needs to involve (1) learning to tolerate feelings and sensations by increasing the capacity for interoception, (2) learning to modulate arousal, and (3) learning that after confrontation with physical helplessness it is essential to engage in taking effective action.
The document summarizes recent developments in understanding child abuse relevant to ophthalmologists. It discusses several issues:
1) Minor trauma like rough play cannot cause the clinical picture of shaken baby syndrome, as the forces required to cause retinal hemorrhage are considerable.
2) Acute hypoxia alone has not been shown to result in the shaken baby syndrome picture. Hypoxia coupled with circulatory collapse may produce fatal brain swelling.
3) Cervical injuries alone do not cause retinal bleeding. However, inflicted cervical spine injury coupled with circulatory collapse has the potential to induce hypoxic brain injury.
TESTIMONY OF SUNNY ANAND, DIRECTOR, PAIN NEUROBIOLOGY
LABORATORY, ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RESEARCH
INSTITUTE, AND PROFESSOR OF PEDIATRICS, ANESTHESIOLOGY,
PHARMACOLOGY, AND NEUROBIOLOGY,
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COLLEGE OF MEDICINE.
This document discusses fetal surgery for neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It summarizes the historical perspective and animal studies that provided evidence that fetal surgery may improve outcomes compared to postnatal surgery. A large randomized controlled trial (the MOMS trial) is currently underway at three US medical centers to determine whether prenatal repair is beneficial compared to postnatal repair. Until the results of this trial are known, the benefits of fetal surgery for neural tube defects remain unproven.
This document discusses anesthesia considerations for fetal surgery. Fetal surgery presents unique challenges as two patients, the mother and fetus, must be anesthetized. Physiologically, pregnancy increases the mother's sensitivity to anesthetic agents and affects her respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. The fetus depends on intact uteroplacental blood flow. Many anesthetic agents readily cross the placenta. Providing anesthesia requires integrating obstetric and pediatric practices while minimizing risk to both patients with little margin for error. Optimal anesthetic techniques for fetal surgery continue to be studied.
This document contains the testimony of Dr. Jean Wright before Congress regarding fetal pain. Some key points:
1) Dr. Wright discusses how medical practices have changed over the past 25 years based on new evidence showing premature infants feel pain. Procedures are now done with pain management to improve outcomes.
2) Observation of premature infants in NICUs provides clear evidence they experience pain from procedures like heel sticks. Hospitals now take many steps to minimize pain and stress.
3) While medical practices incorporating pain management advanced for premature infants, the same evidence was not applied to abortions until discussions around partial birth abortion in the mid-1990s.
4) As a doctor and mother, Dr.
The study recorded EEG signals simultaneously from the scalp and thalamus of 7 patients undergoing deep brain stimulation for essential tremor. The patients performed a go/no-go task where they had to either execute or withhold a cued finger movement based on subsequent go or no-go cues. Event-related potentials differentiated between go and no-go conditions earlier at thalamic recording sites compared to scalp sites, suggesting the thalamus is involved in early classification of go and no-go instructions. Correlations between thalamic and frontal scalp responses were stronger for no-go activities, indicating the thalamus provides information to frontal areas involved in inhibiting prepared actions. The findings support a role for the thalamus
The research showing how exposure to extreme stress affects
brain function is making important contributions to understanding the nature of traumatic stress. This includes the notion that traumatized individuals are vulnerable to react to sensory information with sub-cortically initiated responses that are irrelevant, and often harmful, in the present. Reminders of traumatic experiences activate brain regions that support intense emotions, and decrease activation in the central nervous system (CNS) regions involved in (a) the integration of sensory input with motor output, (b) the modulation of physiological arousal, and (c) the capacity to communicate experience in words. Failures of attention and memory in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) interfere with the capacity to engage in the present: traumatized individuals “lose their way in the world.” This article discusses the implications of this research by suggesting that effective treatment needs to involve (1) learning to tolerate feelings and sensations by increasing the capacity for interoception, (2) learning to modulate arousal, and (3) learning that after confrontation with physical helplessness it is essential to engage in taking effective action.
The document summarizes recent developments in understanding child abuse relevant to ophthalmologists. It discusses several issues:
1) Minor trauma like rough play cannot cause the clinical picture of shaken baby syndrome, as the forces required to cause retinal hemorrhage are considerable.
2) Acute hypoxia alone has not been shown to result in the shaken baby syndrome picture. Hypoxia coupled with circulatory collapse may produce fatal brain swelling.
3) Cervical injuries alone do not cause retinal bleeding. However, inflicted cervical spine injury coupled with circulatory collapse has the potential to induce hypoxic brain injury.
TESTIMONY OF SUNNY ANAND, DIRECTOR, PAIN NEUROBIOLOGY
LABORATORY, ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RESEARCH
INSTITUTE, AND PROFESSOR OF PEDIATRICS, ANESTHESIOLOGY,
PHARMACOLOGY, AND NEUROBIOLOGY,
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COLLEGE OF MEDICINE.
This document discusses fetal surgery for neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It summarizes the historical perspective and animal studies that provided evidence that fetal surgery may improve outcomes compared to postnatal surgery. A large randomized controlled trial (the MOMS trial) is currently underway at three US medical centers to determine whether prenatal repair is beneficial compared to postnatal repair. Until the results of this trial are known, the benefits of fetal surgery for neural tube defects remain unproven.
This document discusses anesthesia considerations for fetal surgery. Fetal surgery presents unique challenges as two patients, the mother and fetus, must be anesthetized. Physiologically, pregnancy increases the mother's sensitivity to anesthetic agents and affects her respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. The fetus depends on intact uteroplacental blood flow. Many anesthetic agents readily cross the placenta. Providing anesthesia requires integrating obstetric and pediatric practices while minimizing risk to both patients with little margin for error. Optimal anesthetic techniques for fetal surgery continue to be studied.
This document contains the testimony of Dr. Jean Wright before Congress regarding fetal pain. Some key points:
1) Dr. Wright discusses how medical practices have changed over the past 25 years based on new evidence showing premature infants feel pain. Procedures are now done with pain management to improve outcomes.
2) Observation of premature infants in NICUs provides clear evidence they experience pain from procedures like heel sticks. Hospitals now take many steps to minimize pain and stress.
3) While medical practices incorporating pain management advanced for premature infants, the same evidence was not applied to abortions until discussions around partial birth abortion in the mid-1990s.
4) As a doctor and mother, Dr.
The study recorded EEG signals simultaneously from the scalp and thalamus of 7 patients undergoing deep brain stimulation for essential tremor. The patients performed a go/no-go task where they had to either execute or withhold a cued finger movement based on subsequent go or no-go cues. Event-related potentials differentiated between go and no-go conditions earlier at thalamic recording sites compared to scalp sites, suggesting the thalamus is involved in early classification of go and no-go instructions. Correlations between thalamic and frontal scalp responses were stronger for no-go activities, indicating the thalamus provides information to frontal areas involved in inhibiting prepared actions. The findings support a role for the thalamus
This document discusses fetal pain and the development of the human brain prior to birth. It summarizes that the human brain is more developed than once thought by around 2 months before birth, comparable to a newborn macaque. Neurons in the subplate zone of the fetal brain form functional networks and influence cortical development. While cortical neurons were once thought necessary for conscious pain perception, immaturity alone does not preclude fetal pain, as subcortical structures are also involved in consciousness.
Cerebral function in_coma_vegetative_state_minimalMarcelaVargas96
This document discusses cerebral function in various states of altered consciousness including coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state, locked-in syndrome, and brain death. It begins by defining key terms like consciousness, arousal, and awareness. It then provides clinical definitions for coma, vegetative state, and minimally conscious state. The document also reviews functional neuroanatomy of these conditions as assessed by positron emission tomography scanning.
1. The article discusses the development of pain responses from preterm infants through childhood.
2. It notes that while pain pathways are immature early in development, nociceptors and basic pain responses exist even in the youngest preterm infants.
3. The article reviews the maturation of peripheral and central pain pathways from fetal stages through early postnatal life, finding that pathways are functional but immature neonatally and continue developing into childhood.
This document discusses whether a fetus can experience consciousness or pain. It explores the development of fetal neurology and the minimal requirements for consciousness. While fetuses develop stress responses to stimuli early in gestation, consciousness requires integrated processing and coordination between brain structures and rhythms. The fetal brain structures and electrical rhythms involved in consciousness in newborns are present in utero by the third trimester, suggesting fetuses could potentially experience a rudimentary form of consciousness late in development. However, more research is needed to fully understand fetal neurology and experience.
This document summarizes an article about research conducted in a neuro-oncology clinic in Israel. The researcher observed that patients, families, and doctors used spatial metaphors and medical images to conceptualize brain tumors. They described tumors as mundane objects like meatballs or stones. This objectification separated the self from the brain as an object that could be observed. While patients did not reject their sense of self, they also talked about their brain interior from a third-person perspective using the objectifying language of medicine.
The document discusses neuroplasty, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections to compensate for damage. It can grow new neural networks and connections throughout life. The brain can retrain or naturally adapt to accomplish tasks after injuries, diseases, or birth defects. Strokes in particular can induce axonal sprouting, where neurons trigger growth to form new connections around damaged areas within a month. Neurorestorative processes help the brain heal from traumatic injuries.
This document discusses theories of consciousness without cerebral cortex involvement. It proposes that an upper brainstem system is key to conscious function and has retained this role throughout brain evolution. This system integrates information from the cerebral cortex in a limited capacity way for coherent behavior. It remains functional without cortical input, helping explain goal-directed behavior after decortication and consciousness in anencephalic children born without a cortex. The brainstem, not just the thalamocortex, is integral to the conscious state.
S & CB (2010), 22, 133–149 0954–4194Science & Christian Be.docxagnesdcarey33086
S & CB (2010), 22, 133–149 0954–4194
Science & Christian Belief, Vol 22, No. 2 • 133
PETER G. H. CLARKE
Determinism, Brain Function and Free
Will
The philosophical debate about determinism and free will is far from being
resolved. Most philosophers (including Christians) are either compatibilists,
asserting that determinism is compatible with free will, or libertarians,
arguing that free will requires a fundamental indeterminism in nature, and in
particular in brain function. Most libertarians invoke Heisenbergian
uncertainty as the required indeterminism. The present paper, by a
neurobiologist, examines these issues in relationship to biblical teaching on
the brain-soul relationship. It distinguishes different levels of determinism,
including genetic and environmental determinism, and argues that these
are incomplete, whereas the physical (or ‘Laplacian’) determinism of brain
function is almost total. In particular, it is argued that the attempt to support
the libertarian concept of free will on the foundation of Heisenbergian
uncertainty applied to the brain is problematic for both conceptual and
quantitative reasons.
Key words: free will, brain, neuroscience, quantum theory, soul, monism,
dualism
The fact that the laws of nature are deterministic, apart from tiny effects at the
quantum level, raises many questions. Was the entire future of the universe
determined at the moment of the big bang? Are miracles possible? Can inter-
cessory prayer make any sense in a deterministic universe? Is God on compul-
sory sabbatical leave as a result of his own impersonal laws? And can free will
be real when our brains obey the laws of physics? These are all important ques-
tions, but this essay will focus on the last one, that of free will and determin-
ism.
Determinism at different levels
Determinism can be considered at various levels including: physical determin-
ism, resulting from the fact that the laws of physics are (almost) deterministic;
social determinism, the thesis that people are trapped in a web of social con-
straints; psychological determinism; environmental determinism; genetic deter-
minism; and so on. All these levels are important, for both theoretical and prac-
tical reasons, but I here focus on physical determinism, because I consider that
this is the level where the problem of determinism is most acute. As is argued
below, genetic determinism, or even the combined determinism of genes and
external environment is only partial, whereas physical determinism may be
(almost) total.
PETER G. H. CLARKE
134 • Science & Christian Belief, Vol 22, No. 2
Genetic determinism of our brains and personalities is only partial
Genetic determinism says that the genotype determines the phenotype. Nobody
doubts that many of our physical characteristics, such as height and eye colour,
are largely determined genetically. But what about brain development? What
about personality?
The complexity of the human brain is far too great for every de.
This document discusses several topics related to brain function and neuroscience. It begins by describing arousal and attention, noting that arousal requires the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) within the brainstem and projections to the thalamus. It then discusses emotion, noting that basic drives are centered in the limbic system while distinctly human emotions are represented in the cortex. Finally, it provides information on frontal lobe function, language, memory, and the limbic system.
This chapter discusses how patients with brain tumors, their family members, and physicians create metaphorical visions of the brain and tumors. Visual media like MRI and CT scans lead to objectifying the brain as if it were a mundane object. Patients describe their tumor using common objects like meatballs in spaghetti or olives on pizza. While patients do not reject their sense of self, they do objectify their brain and interior as something observable from outside. This splitting of self reframes an ungraspable situation into something comprehensible.
This article discusses how Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection can help inform public policymaking. While philosophers, sociologists, and theologians have historically viewed humans as distinct from other animals or believed that human behavior is solely a product of culture, evidence suggests evolution has profoundly shaped human nature. The forces of evolution, including heredity and environmental pressures over long periods of time, have influenced how people behave in fundamental ways. Ignoring these evolutionary influences limits the effectiveness of policies that do not account for human tendencies shaped by our evolutionary past. The article argues that a fuller understanding of human nature from an evolutionary perspective can guide policymaking in productive ways.
The document discusses the three parts of the coping brain: the reptilian brain, emotional brain, and neocortex. The reptilian brain governs survival instincts like aggression, fear, revenge, and territorial behavior. The emotional brain is responsible for emotional expression and social identity formation. The neocortex, also called the thinking brain, is the largest part and coordinates responses during stress by drawing on memory and developing new coping strategies using reasoning and learning abilities.
Savant syndrome is a rare condition where people with mental disabilities have exceptional skills in narrow areas. It is often linked to autism. While savant skills vary, they are always accompanied by massive memory. Theories for savant skills include biological factors, cognitive deficits that allow strengths in narrow areas, and using skills to compensate for disabilities. Experts recommend training savant skills to help socialization rather than trying to eliminate deficits.
The document discusses the biological and psychological origins of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It traces the early history and changing definitions of both conditions. It examines past psychological theories that linked autism to poor parenting as well as current understanding of the genetic and neurological factors involved, such as links to specific chromosomes and brain structures. The document also explores possible environmental influences and compares the historical understanding and treatment of inattentiveness to modern concepts of ADHD and current theories about its genetic and neurotransmitter-related causes.
The document discusses Streff Syndrome, a visual disorder caused by stress. It begins by explaining how vision works through the visual pathway in the brain. Streff Syndrome occurs when there is a breakdown between visual motor function and sensory function due to stress. It usually affects children and causes reduced vision in both eyes. Treatment includes low prescription eyewear to reduce visual stress and allow the visual system to recover normally within 6 weeks, as well as vision therapy and reducing stressors.
Scientists are using new technologies like fMRI to study how the brain is affected by experiences like learning a new language or playing video games. Animal models and human studies show that the brain remains plastic throughout life, changing with new experiences. Research on neurogenesis and neural communication has provided insights into development and learning. Studies on animal behavior have also helped explain behaviors and how animals survive.
This document discusses the potential shared pathophysiological mechanism of dysregulated inflammation linking neurocognitive and behavioral dysfunction in individuals with HIV, depression, and chronic stress. It provides background on psychoneuroimmunology and highlights classic studies showing interactions between behavior, the immune system, and nervous system. Emotions are discussed as being central to these interactions through their physiological effects in the brain and ability to aid memory formation and physiological regulation. Individual differences, genetics, and social contexts can impact these psychoneuroimmunological relationships.
A feature about latest research to improve premature babies' medical care.
Published in The Lancet Neurology:
http://www.lancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422%2813%2970041-3/fulltext
This bill seeks to ensure that women seeking abortions after 20 weeks of fertilization are informed about evidence that unborn children at this stage of development can experience pain during certain abortion procedures. The bill cites several findings regarding the capacity for unborn children to feel pain after 20 weeks of development, as well as existing laws and regulations that aim to protect animals and fetuses from unnecessary pain and discomfort. If passed, it would add a new title to the Public Health Service Act requiring abortion providers to inform women of the pain the unborn child could experience during the procedure.
The document discusses evidence related to whether a fetus can experience pain. It summarizes the development of anatomical structures and pathways involved in pain perception in a fetus from 8 weeks gestation onwards. It also discusses physiological evidence from preterm infants that suggests nociceptive pathways are functional from 24-26 weeks gestation. The document considers arguments that a fetus may experience pain in a primitive way without requiring consciousness, self-consciousness, or previous experience. It notes evidence that early painful experiences can have long-term effects on stress responses and sensitivity to pain.
More Related Content
Similar to The presence of consciousness in the absence of the cerebral cortex
This document discusses fetal pain and the development of the human brain prior to birth. It summarizes that the human brain is more developed than once thought by around 2 months before birth, comparable to a newborn macaque. Neurons in the subplate zone of the fetal brain form functional networks and influence cortical development. While cortical neurons were once thought necessary for conscious pain perception, immaturity alone does not preclude fetal pain, as subcortical structures are also involved in consciousness.
Cerebral function in_coma_vegetative_state_minimalMarcelaVargas96
This document discusses cerebral function in various states of altered consciousness including coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state, locked-in syndrome, and brain death. It begins by defining key terms like consciousness, arousal, and awareness. It then provides clinical definitions for coma, vegetative state, and minimally conscious state. The document also reviews functional neuroanatomy of these conditions as assessed by positron emission tomography scanning.
1. The article discusses the development of pain responses from preterm infants through childhood.
2. It notes that while pain pathways are immature early in development, nociceptors and basic pain responses exist even in the youngest preterm infants.
3. The article reviews the maturation of peripheral and central pain pathways from fetal stages through early postnatal life, finding that pathways are functional but immature neonatally and continue developing into childhood.
This document discusses whether a fetus can experience consciousness or pain. It explores the development of fetal neurology and the minimal requirements for consciousness. While fetuses develop stress responses to stimuli early in gestation, consciousness requires integrated processing and coordination between brain structures and rhythms. The fetal brain structures and electrical rhythms involved in consciousness in newborns are present in utero by the third trimester, suggesting fetuses could potentially experience a rudimentary form of consciousness late in development. However, more research is needed to fully understand fetal neurology and experience.
This document summarizes an article about research conducted in a neuro-oncology clinic in Israel. The researcher observed that patients, families, and doctors used spatial metaphors and medical images to conceptualize brain tumors. They described tumors as mundane objects like meatballs or stones. This objectification separated the self from the brain as an object that could be observed. While patients did not reject their sense of self, they also talked about their brain interior from a third-person perspective using the objectifying language of medicine.
The document discusses neuroplasty, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections to compensate for damage. It can grow new neural networks and connections throughout life. The brain can retrain or naturally adapt to accomplish tasks after injuries, diseases, or birth defects. Strokes in particular can induce axonal sprouting, where neurons trigger growth to form new connections around damaged areas within a month. Neurorestorative processes help the brain heal from traumatic injuries.
This document discusses theories of consciousness without cerebral cortex involvement. It proposes that an upper brainstem system is key to conscious function and has retained this role throughout brain evolution. This system integrates information from the cerebral cortex in a limited capacity way for coherent behavior. It remains functional without cortical input, helping explain goal-directed behavior after decortication and consciousness in anencephalic children born without a cortex. The brainstem, not just the thalamocortex, is integral to the conscious state.
S & CB (2010), 22, 133–149 0954–4194Science & Christian Be.docxagnesdcarey33086
S & CB (2010), 22, 133–149 0954–4194
Science & Christian Belief, Vol 22, No. 2 • 133
PETER G. H. CLARKE
Determinism, Brain Function and Free
Will
The philosophical debate about determinism and free will is far from being
resolved. Most philosophers (including Christians) are either compatibilists,
asserting that determinism is compatible with free will, or libertarians,
arguing that free will requires a fundamental indeterminism in nature, and in
particular in brain function. Most libertarians invoke Heisenbergian
uncertainty as the required indeterminism. The present paper, by a
neurobiologist, examines these issues in relationship to biblical teaching on
the brain-soul relationship. It distinguishes different levels of determinism,
including genetic and environmental determinism, and argues that these
are incomplete, whereas the physical (or ‘Laplacian’) determinism of brain
function is almost total. In particular, it is argued that the attempt to support
the libertarian concept of free will on the foundation of Heisenbergian
uncertainty applied to the brain is problematic for both conceptual and
quantitative reasons.
Key words: free will, brain, neuroscience, quantum theory, soul, monism,
dualism
The fact that the laws of nature are deterministic, apart from tiny effects at the
quantum level, raises many questions. Was the entire future of the universe
determined at the moment of the big bang? Are miracles possible? Can inter-
cessory prayer make any sense in a deterministic universe? Is God on compul-
sory sabbatical leave as a result of his own impersonal laws? And can free will
be real when our brains obey the laws of physics? These are all important ques-
tions, but this essay will focus on the last one, that of free will and determin-
ism.
Determinism at different levels
Determinism can be considered at various levels including: physical determin-
ism, resulting from the fact that the laws of physics are (almost) deterministic;
social determinism, the thesis that people are trapped in a web of social con-
straints; psychological determinism; environmental determinism; genetic deter-
minism; and so on. All these levels are important, for both theoretical and prac-
tical reasons, but I here focus on physical determinism, because I consider that
this is the level where the problem of determinism is most acute. As is argued
below, genetic determinism, or even the combined determinism of genes and
external environment is only partial, whereas physical determinism may be
(almost) total.
PETER G. H. CLARKE
134 • Science & Christian Belief, Vol 22, No. 2
Genetic determinism of our brains and personalities is only partial
Genetic determinism says that the genotype determines the phenotype. Nobody
doubts that many of our physical characteristics, such as height and eye colour,
are largely determined genetically. But what about brain development? What
about personality?
The complexity of the human brain is far too great for every de.
This document discusses several topics related to brain function and neuroscience. It begins by describing arousal and attention, noting that arousal requires the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) within the brainstem and projections to the thalamus. It then discusses emotion, noting that basic drives are centered in the limbic system while distinctly human emotions are represented in the cortex. Finally, it provides information on frontal lobe function, language, memory, and the limbic system.
This chapter discusses how patients with brain tumors, their family members, and physicians create metaphorical visions of the brain and tumors. Visual media like MRI and CT scans lead to objectifying the brain as if it were a mundane object. Patients describe their tumor using common objects like meatballs in spaghetti or olives on pizza. While patients do not reject their sense of self, they do objectify their brain and interior as something observable from outside. This splitting of self reframes an ungraspable situation into something comprehensible.
This article discusses how Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection can help inform public policymaking. While philosophers, sociologists, and theologians have historically viewed humans as distinct from other animals or believed that human behavior is solely a product of culture, evidence suggests evolution has profoundly shaped human nature. The forces of evolution, including heredity and environmental pressures over long periods of time, have influenced how people behave in fundamental ways. Ignoring these evolutionary influences limits the effectiveness of policies that do not account for human tendencies shaped by our evolutionary past. The article argues that a fuller understanding of human nature from an evolutionary perspective can guide policymaking in productive ways.
The document discusses the three parts of the coping brain: the reptilian brain, emotional brain, and neocortex. The reptilian brain governs survival instincts like aggression, fear, revenge, and territorial behavior. The emotional brain is responsible for emotional expression and social identity formation. The neocortex, also called the thinking brain, is the largest part and coordinates responses during stress by drawing on memory and developing new coping strategies using reasoning and learning abilities.
Savant syndrome is a rare condition where people with mental disabilities have exceptional skills in narrow areas. It is often linked to autism. While savant skills vary, they are always accompanied by massive memory. Theories for savant skills include biological factors, cognitive deficits that allow strengths in narrow areas, and using skills to compensate for disabilities. Experts recommend training savant skills to help socialization rather than trying to eliminate deficits.
The document discusses the biological and psychological origins of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It traces the early history and changing definitions of both conditions. It examines past psychological theories that linked autism to poor parenting as well as current understanding of the genetic and neurological factors involved, such as links to specific chromosomes and brain structures. The document also explores possible environmental influences and compares the historical understanding and treatment of inattentiveness to modern concepts of ADHD and current theories about its genetic and neurotransmitter-related causes.
The document discusses Streff Syndrome, a visual disorder caused by stress. It begins by explaining how vision works through the visual pathway in the brain. Streff Syndrome occurs when there is a breakdown between visual motor function and sensory function due to stress. It usually affects children and causes reduced vision in both eyes. Treatment includes low prescription eyewear to reduce visual stress and allow the visual system to recover normally within 6 weeks, as well as vision therapy and reducing stressors.
Scientists are using new technologies like fMRI to study how the brain is affected by experiences like learning a new language or playing video games. Animal models and human studies show that the brain remains plastic throughout life, changing with new experiences. Research on neurogenesis and neural communication has provided insights into development and learning. Studies on animal behavior have also helped explain behaviors and how animals survive.
This document discusses the potential shared pathophysiological mechanism of dysregulated inflammation linking neurocognitive and behavioral dysfunction in individuals with HIV, depression, and chronic stress. It provides background on psychoneuroimmunology and highlights classic studies showing interactions between behavior, the immune system, and nervous system. Emotions are discussed as being central to these interactions through their physiological effects in the brain and ability to aid memory formation and physiological regulation. Individual differences, genetics, and social contexts can impact these psychoneuroimmunological relationships.
A feature about latest research to improve premature babies' medical care.
Published in The Lancet Neurology:
http://www.lancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422%2813%2970041-3/fulltext
Similar to The presence of consciousness in the absence of the cerebral cortex (20)
This bill seeks to ensure that women seeking abortions after 20 weeks of fertilization are informed about evidence that unborn children at this stage of development can experience pain during certain abortion procedures. The bill cites several findings regarding the capacity for unborn children to feel pain after 20 weeks of development, as well as existing laws and regulations that aim to protect animals and fetuses from unnecessary pain and discomfort. If passed, it would add a new title to the Public Health Service Act requiring abortion providers to inform women of the pain the unborn child could experience during the procedure.
The document discusses evidence related to whether a fetus can experience pain. It summarizes the development of anatomical structures and pathways involved in pain perception in a fetus from 8 weeks gestation onwards. It also discusses physiological evidence from preterm infants that suggests nociceptive pathways are functional from 24-26 weeks gestation. The document considers arguments that a fetus may experience pain in a primitive way without requiring consciousness, self-consciousness, or previous experience. It notes evidence that early painful experiences can have long-term effects on stress responses and sensitivity to pain.
An unborn child has the capacity to feel pain by 20 weeks gestation according to scientific evidence. By this point in development, the neural pathways, nerve tracts, thalamus, and cortex necessary to feel pain are all present. Studies show the unborn child responds to touch as early as 6 weeks and releases stress hormones when injected with a needle at 18 weeks, similar to the stress response in adults feeling pain. While abortion methods do not provide anesthesia to the unborn child, commercial livestock must be rendered insensible to pain before slaughter according to federal law.
This document discusses two approaches to understanding associative learning: the propositional approach and the dual-system approach. The propositional approach argues that associative learning results from controlled reasoning processes, while the dual-system approach argues it results from both controlled reasoning and the automatic formation of links between mental representations. The authors review evidence from past research and conclude that there is little support for the automatic link-formation mechanism proposed by the dual-system approach. Instead, they argue learning is better understood as resulting from propositional reasoning processes.
This document discusses the concept of fetal pain and whether a fetus is capable of perceiving pain. It explores definitions of pain, the anatomical and neurophysiological development of the fetal nervous system, and behavioral responses to stimuli. While connections from the spinal cord to the thalamus develop by 20 weeks, and thalamocortical connections are present from around 26 weeks, the document notes debate around whether these are necessary for pain perception. It concludes that while the very young fetus is likely incapable of feeling pain, the capacity for pain perception likely develops before full term birth.
The document reviews the development of the fetal pain system and debates whether a fetus can feel pain. It finds that:
1) While reflex reactions to noxious stimuli can occur very early in development, cortical processing required for the emotional experience of pain likely only emerges after 26 weeks of gestation with the development of thalamo-cortical connections.
2) Before the cortex is involved, noxious stimuli can still trigger stress responses that affect development.
3) Rather than speculate on fetal pain, the clinically relevant aim is to avoid noxious stimuli to prevent their potential adverse effects on development.
This document summarizes a research article about the mental capacities of newborn infants. It argues that while newborns appear helpless, research shows they have an integrated consciousness and can engage in synchronized interactions with caregivers. This suggests newborns have intersubjective minds, emotions, and motives for social engagement. The study of infant cognition required moving beyond theories of the mind as developing through experience and language alone, to recognize innate capacities for shared intentionality and cultural learning from birth.
1) The article proposes that the primary function of consciousness is to integrate competing demands from specialized systems in the nervous system that influence skeletal muscle plans.
2) These "supramodular systems" operate in parallel to control actions like breathing, pain response, elimination, but can only collectively influence action through consciousness.
3) During a "supramodular conflict", when different systems demand opposing skeletal muscle actions, consciousness is necessary to integrate the systems and determine the appropriate response.
This commentary agrees with Shanahan's view that language acquisition has an emotional basis. It provides a supplementary neuroscience perspective, arguing that:
1) Primary-process emotional systems in subcortical brain regions like the central amygdala generate affective intensity, not just secondary cognitive processes.
2) Social-emotional systems like separation distress, nurturance, play, and lust motivated the development of inter-subjective communication between mothers and infants, which may have promoted linguistic prosody.
3) Early affective communication through melodic "motherese" engages infants more than cognitive thought, and music is tightly linked to language in brain and development. Language may have evolved from our emotional nature through
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against developing mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like anxiety and depression.
The document discusses whether a fetus can feel pain and at what gestational age. It examines the anatomical, physiological, and behavioral evidence. While the fetus's experience of pain cannot be directly measured, the neural pathways for pain are developed by 20 weeks gestation. The fetus shows stress responses to invasive procedures from 16 weeks onward. Therefore, it is possible the fetus can feel pain from 20 weeks of gestation. More research is needed to fully understand fetal pain and how to provide appropriate analgesia during invasive prenatal procedures.
This document summarizes recent research on the development of nociceptive (pain-sensing) circuits in infants. It discusses how:
1) Nociceptive neurons are specified early in development through molecular pathways involving tyrosine kinase receptors and neurotrophic factors.
2) Functional synapses and neural circuits in the dorsal horn develop over the first postnatal weeks through changes in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission.
3) Sensory activity, both non-nociceptive and excessive nociceptive inputs, can influence the development of pain processing circuits in early life.
This randomized, double-blind study compared remifentanil and diazepam for fetal immobilization and maternal sedation during fetoscopic surgery. The study found that remifentanil produced better fetal immobilization with mild maternal respiratory depression, allowing for shorter surgeries, while diazepam resulted in greater maternal sedation but less fetal immobilization and longer surgeries. Remifentanil may thus be superior to diazepam for fetal immobilization during fetoscopic procedures.
More from South Dakota Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (20)
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxDenish Jangid
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering
Syllabus
Chapter-1
Introduction to objective, scope and outcome the subject
Chapter 2
Introduction: Scope and Specialization of Civil Engineering, Role of civil Engineer in Society, Impact of infrastructural development on economy of country.
Chapter 3
Surveying: Object Principles & Types of Surveying; Site Plans, Plans & Maps; Scales & Unit of different Measurements.
Linear Measurements: Instruments used. Linear Measurement by Tape, Ranging out Survey Lines and overcoming Obstructions; Measurements on sloping ground; Tape corrections, conventional symbols. Angular Measurements: Instruments used; Introduction to Compass Surveying, Bearings and Longitude & Latitude of a Line, Introduction to total station.
Levelling: Instrument used Object of levelling, Methods of levelling in brief, and Contour maps.
Chapter 4
Buildings: Selection of site for Buildings, Layout of Building Plan, Types of buildings, Plinth area, carpet area, floor space index, Introduction to building byelaws, concept of sun light & ventilation. Components of Buildings & their functions, Basic concept of R.C.C., Introduction to types of foundation
Chapter 5
Transportation: Introduction to Transportation Engineering; Traffic and Road Safety: Types and Characteristics of Various Modes of Transportation; Various Road Traffic Signs, Causes of Accidents and Road Safety Measures.
Chapter 6
Environmental Engineering: Environmental Pollution, Environmental Acts and Regulations, Functional Concepts of Ecology, Basics of Species, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Hydrological Cycle; Chemical Cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen & Phosphorus; Energy Flow in Ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Water Quality standards, Introduction to Treatment & Disposal of Waste Water. Reuse and Saving of Water, Rain Water Harvesting. Solid Waste Management: Classification of Solid Waste, Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Solid. Recycling of Solid Waste: Energy Recovery, Sanitary Landfill, On-Site Sanitation. Air & Noise Pollution: Primary and Secondary air pollutants, Harmful effects of Air Pollution, Control of Air Pollution. . Noise Pollution Harmful Effects of noise pollution, control of noise pollution, Global warming & Climate Change, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse effect
Text Books:
1. Palancharmy, Basic Civil Engineering, McGraw Hill publishers.
2. Satheesh Gopi, Basic Civil Engineering, Pearson Publishers.
3. Ketki Rangwala Dalal, Essentials of Civil Engineering, Charotar Publishing House.
4. BCP, Surveying volume 1
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
Strategies for Effective Upskilling is a presentation by Chinwendu Peace in a Your Skill Boost Masterclass organisation by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan on 08th and 09th June 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM on each day.
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfTechSoup
"Learn about all the ways Walmart supports nonprofit organizations.
You will hear from Liz Willett, the Head of Nonprofits, and hear about what Walmart is doing to help nonprofits, including Walmart Business and Spark Good. Walmart Business+ is a new offer for nonprofits that offers discounts and also streamlines nonprofits order and expense tracking, saving time and money.
The webinar may also give some examples on how nonprofits can best leverage Walmart Business+.
The event will cover the following::
Walmart Business + (https://business.walmart.com/plus) is a new shopping experience for nonprofits, schools, and local business customers that connects an exclusive online shopping experience to stores. Benefits include free delivery and shipping, a 'Spend Analytics” feature, special discounts, deals and tax-exempt shopping.
Special TechSoup offer for a free 180 days membership, and up to $150 in discounts on eligible orders.
Spark Good (walmart.com/sparkgood) is a charitable platform that enables nonprofits to receive donations directly from customers and associates.
Answers about how you can do more with Walmart!"
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...PECB
Denis is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a distinguished career spanning information systems analysis and technical project management. With a proven track record of spearheading the design and delivery of cutting-edge Information Management solutions, he has consistently elevated business operations, streamlined reporting functions, and maximized process efficiency.
Certified as an ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Lead Implementer, Data Protection Officer, and Cyber Risks Analyst, Denis brings a heightened focus on data security, privacy, and cyber resilience to every endeavor.
His expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of reporting, database, and web development applications, underpinned by an exceptional grasp of data storage and virtualization technologies. His proficiency in application testing, database administration, and data cleansing ensures seamless execution of complex projects.
What sets Denis apart is his comprehensive understanding of Business and Systems Analysis technologies, honed through involvement in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). From meticulous requirements gathering to precise analysis, innovative design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and successful implementation, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Throughout his career, he has taken on multifaceted roles, from leading technical project management teams to owning solutions that drive operational excellence. His conscientious and proactive approach is unwavering, whether he is working independently or collaboratively within a team. His ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level underscores his commitment to fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
Date: May 29, 2024
Tags: Information Security, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Artificial Intelligence, GDPR
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Find out more about ISO training and certification services
Training: ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System - EN | PECB
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Digital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental Design
The presence of consciousness in the absence of the cerebral cortex
1. Article Lead Author: Beshkar, Majid Date: 2008
Article: The Presence of Consciousness in the Absence of the Cerebral Cortex
1. Pain felt at:
a. If the article specifically asserts unborn children feel pain, at what post
fertilization age?
b. Page:
2. Nociceptors:
a. Ifthe article states nociceptors are present, at what post-fertilization age?
b. Page:
3. Thalamus link:
a. If the article states nerves link nociceptors to the thalamus, at what post
fertilization age?
b. Page:
4. Subcortical plate link:
a. If the article states nerves link to the subcortical plate, at what post-fertilization
age?
b. Page:
S. Noxious stimuli reaction:
a. Does the article refer to reaction to noxious stimuli? At what post-fertilization
age?
b. Page:
6. Stress hormones:
a. Does the article refer to increase in stress hormones with noxious stimuli? At
what post-fertilization age?
b. Page:
7. Long-term effects:
a. Does the article describe long term harmful effects from exposure to noxious
st imuli?
b. Page:
8. Fetal anesthesia:
a. Does the article refer to use of fetal.anesthesia and its effect? At what post
fert ilizati on age?
b. Page :
9. Cortex:
a. Does t he articl e relate t o the asserte d need f or cort ical involvement to
exp eri ence pain? How?
2. b. Page: 553, Right Column, Last Paragraph. "However, there are some pieces of
evidence that these children [with hydranencephaly] are able to experience at
least some levels of consciousness."
Page 554, Left Column, First Paragraph. "Shewmon et. al (1999) reported cases
of four children aged 5-17, with hydranencephaly involving complete or nearly
complete absence of cerebral cortex."
3. SYNAPSE 62:553-556 (2008)
Short Communication
The Presence of Consciousness in the
Absence of the Cerebral Cortex
MAJID BESHKAR·
Tehran. University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
KEYWORDS hydranencephaly; consciousness; vegetative state; behavior; cerebral
cortex
ABSTRACT Hydranencephaly is a rare neurological condition in which the cere
bral hemispheres are either absent or severely compromised. It is widely believed that
children with hydranencephaly are not conscious; and therefore, are routinely classi
fied into the diagnostic criteria of vegetative state. However, ther~ are several pieces
of behavioral evidence clearly indicating the presence of consciousness in such
patients. Here, I review these behavioral evidence and argue how :qlisclassification of
these patients and assigning them a lack of consciousness have far-reaching implica
tions in terms of both clinical and theoretical neuroscience. Synapse 62:553-556,
2008. () 2008 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
INTRODUCTION interrupts the visual radiations! for instance), and are
Hydranencephaly is a rare neurological condition in not even locally functional. On autopsy, such tissue
which the cerebral hemispheres either fail to develop may be found to be gliotic on microscopic examination
for genetic-developmental reasons or are massively or to exhibit other structural anomalies indicating
compromised by trauma of a physical, vascular, toxic, loss of function (Merker, 2007).
hypoxic-ischemic, or infectious nature at some stage An infant born with hydranencephaly may initially
of their development (Merker, 2007). The disorder, present no conspicuous symptoms and occasionally
which occurs in less than 1 per 10,000 births world the condition is not diagnosed until several months
wide, is characterized by near-total or total absence of postnatally, when developmental milestones are mis
the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. The thalami , sed. In the course of the first year of life, these
pons, cerebral peduncles, and cerebellum are usually infants typically develop a variety of complications
present, as may be a small amount of occipital-lobe, that always include motoric ones (tonus, spasticity,
frontal -lobe, and tempor al-lobe tissue. The damaged cerebral palsy). Although survival beyond 6 months is
brain tissues undergo extensive resorption , and are rare with hydranencephaly, prolonged survival even
replaced by cerebrospinal fluid filling otherwise empty up to 34 years can occur (Counter, 2007).
meninges lining a normally shaped skull. Hydranen It is widely believed among neurologists that chil
cephaly must be distinguished from the even more dren with hydranencephaly are not conscious. How
severe neurological condition called anencephaly, a ever, there are some pieces of evidence that these
disorder of the neural tube beginning very early in children are able to experience at least some simple
developmen t, which leads to virtually no brain devel levels of consciousness (Fig. 1). Scientific literature
opment. about this issue is very poor, and there are only two
The amount of brain ti ssue that each child with published accounts describing observations to the
hydranen cephaly h s varies from child to child. Ma ny effect that children with hydranencephaly experience
of the children a re missing most of their brain ti ssues conscious states .
above the brainstem. However, the loss of cerebral
h eroisph res mu st be massive to be designated h ydra Corresponde nco to: No. 2, Sahe'l 1. Eas l Arghava n. Saadal Ab"rl , Tehron,
I I'un . E~ ma l l: mnjid .bcs h klu-@yu hfJo.com
nencephaly, although it. is seldom compl ete. While
RI!ce;vec 23 Octuber 200"7; Accepl0Ji 20 .JflI1LIJrv ~OOt<,
variable remnants of th ce rebral cortex m ay be
o I 1n , 100:V.y 11 20 52,1
spared, these coTtic I remnant are most proba bly n ot t'u blil)h online 24 Apnl 2O(1B In Wiley 11lu;>r&ient'e hvwwinterscience_wilc;.
connected to the thalamus (whi te matter loss often L' 11I l't l .
1.)2008 WILlW-LlSS, INC
4. 554 M.BESHKAR
arguments. For example, Merker argues that "Most
animals' and human infants' mirror reactions are
social reactions (that is, they treat the mirror image
as a conspecific and NOT as themselves), so reacting
to and being fascinated by a mirror by no means
implies self-recognition. In the case of [this hydranen
cephalic subject], we cannot even be sure that the
behavior was of the nature of social reactions (though
the smile raises that possibility); they might simply
have been reactions to reflected movements and so
on" (personal communication).
Another child in this study exhibited discriminative
awareness of the environment, for example, consis
tently distinguishing close family members from
others. At the approach or touch of strangers she
assumed a fearful affect, became tense and withdrew,
Fig. 1. Nikki, a hydranencepbalic girl, in the arms of her but relaxed to the touch and voice of mother. The
mother. She has turned toward someone sitting on her left (you can more familiar someone was, the more she w(mld
see the knee to the right in the picture). This picture shows the
alertness of the girl, and her smile very well. For this picture, I am relax, move spontaneously, and vocalize. She was
indebted to Bjorn Merker for receiving permission from Niki's aware of her mother's presence and became upset if
mother on my behalf. separated. She had favorite pieces and types of music,
to which she would consistently smile and vocalize, in
contrast to other music, to which she consistently
CONSCIOUSNESS IN HYDRANENCEPHALICS remained indifferent.
Shewmon et a1. (1999) reported the cases of four Another child developed a liking for puppies and
children aged 5-17, with hydranencephaly involving small children; and her face became animated when
complete or nearly complete absence of cerebral cor ever she saw them. She also showed some orientation
tex. The authors observed that these children pos capacities: when called, she would raise her head,
sessed a variety of cognitive capacities that were in look at the person, and smile. Furthermore, when an
dicative of ordinary consciousness, including person object she was tracking was suddenly taken behind
recognition, social interaction (smiling when spoken her, she would turn in search of it. She was very
to, giggling when played with, vocalization with socially interacting and clearly enjoyed being with
music therapist), functional vision (object discrimina people and even played with them. The authors
tion, fascination with own reflection), musical prefer observed that in an occasion the subject attempted to
ences, orienting- toward and smiling at someone call imitate monosyllables and even uttered "ah-ah" when
ing, appropriate affective responses, goal-directed coaxed to say "mama." She also demonstrated some
motor behavior (scooting on back to reach a goal), and degree of body awareness. For example, if her face
associative learning (using limited receptive vocabu hurt, she would stroke it with her hand. The most
lary to correctly look at an object)~ On the basis of interesting of her cognitive abilities was her capacity
their observations, the authors concluded that each of of associative learning. The authors observed that she
the children they assessed was conscious by the crite startled and stiffened when a vacuum cleaner or hair
ria of a standard neurological examin ation . dryer with a loud unpleasant noise was turned on.
One of thes children was able to visually interact Mter several such experiences, she also stiffened in
with the en vironment, scooting around the house anticipation if either object (though switched off) was
while avoiding collision with walls and furniture . brought near. Moreover, she developed a small recep
More in teresting was the observation that he became tive vocabulary, including "bunny rabbit" (a stuffed
fascinate d with h is own reflection in a mirror; and de toy), "Michael" (a family friend), and "Pocahontas"
spite efforts to distract him, he kept turning back to (an image on her T-shirt); with coaxing and repetition
the mirror, ex ploring it intently, and smiling. The of the question , "Where is [one of these]?" she cor
capacity to recognize oneself in the mirror is com rectly looked at the object or person.
monly considered to be an indicator of self- a wareness, Another subject exhibited some limited form of non
an d is usually explored in animals by the so-called verbal communication by making cooing sounds,
mirror test. This hydranencepha lic chil d wa appa expre sions of sadness or pai n , smiling in the
rently as interested in bis r fle tion as any in fant or presence of caregivers , an d indicatin g preferences
animal that passes the m inor test. Although the through facial ex pression s a nd R broad smile. He was
authors interpreted thi' particul ar behavior as an in able to distingui h h is moth er 's voice from that of his
dication of consciousness, ther are some> counteT father
'ynapse
5. MO'
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f',
,~ CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE ABSENCE OF CEREBRAL CORTEX
In a recent article, Merker (2007) has described his seem to require reflective consciousness and self
555
! first-hand observations of the behavior of hydranence awareness. However, it should be mentioned that
j phalic children, as well as his impressions gleaned Merker used the term "consciousness" in its most ba
i• from the reports of parents of such children. On the sic and general sense; and, in this context conscious
I
basis of his observations, Merker argues that "these ness is more than reflective consciousness or self
children are not only awake and often alert, but show awareness.
responsiveness to their surroundings in the ' form of Watkins and Rees (2007) argue that responsiveness
~ ',
emotional , or orienting reactions to environmental to the environment is a capacity exhibited by almost
, events." He observed that hydranencephaIic children any organism with a central nervous system, and
i~
were able to "express pleasure by smiling and laugh
ter, and aversion by 'fussing,' arching of the back and
cannot be definitely taken as a sign of consciousness.
Furthermore, the behaviors of hydranencephalic chil
:! crying." Furthermore, the children responded differ dren seem to lack the element of intentionality and
entially to the voice of familiars, and showed prefer "many of the reported behaviors could be generated
ence for certain situations and stimuli over others, unconsciously or reflexively."
l :' such as a particular familiar toy. More interestingly,
: I some of these children demonstrated the capacity of
J, :i-
taking behavioral initiatives in the form of instru CONCLUSION
mental behaviors, such as making noise by kicking
,Whether or not children born with hydranence
trinkets hanging in a special frame constructed for
phaly have consciousness is still controversial. How
the purpose, or activating favorite toys by switches.
ever, the body of evidence in favor of the presence of
Merker concludes that hydranencephalic children
consciousness in these patients seems to be more con
"give proof of being not only awake, but of the kind of
vincing than evidence and argu-ments against con
responsiveness to their surroundings that qualifies
sciousness in such children.
as conscious by the criteria of ordinary neurological
examination." Finally, it is noteworthy that the outstanding web
site of the International Hydranencephaly Group
According to Merker, another piece of evidence for
(www.hydranencephaly.com) provides comprehensive
the existence of consciousness in hydranencephalic
source of information about this disorder. The results
children comes from the fact that these children are
of an informal, nonscientific survey conducted by this
subject to the seizures of absence epilepsy. Seizures of
group revealed surprising findings that are contrary
this type are characterized by lapses in consciousness
to what is generally assumed by most neurologists
and a lack of response toward external stimuli. In a
regarding the presence of consciousness in hydranen
typical episode of absence seizure, the patient sud
cephalic children. When parents of such children
denly becomes unresponsive in the midst of normal
were asked "is your child aware of hislher surround
activities. Ongoing activities may continue in the
ings?," 74% of the surveyed parents answered "Yes,"
form of automatisms or they may arrest for the dura
2.46% answered "No," and 14.8% answered "Some
tion of the seizure episode. At the end of such a sei
times." When asked "is your child aware of objects?"
zure, which may last no more than a few seconds, the
"2t0.74% answered "Yes," 17.28% answered "No," and
patient, who typically remains upright throughout,
38.27% answered "Sometimes."
sometimes actively moving, resumes conscious activ
The rarity of scientific observations similar to those
ities where they were interrupted, has amnesia for ,
reported by parents could be partly due to the fact
what transpired during the episode, and may have no
that hydranencephalic children are extremely sensi
knowledge that the episode took place at all. Merker
tive to and easily disturbed by changes in environ
argues that "episodes of absence in this form of epi
ment and routine daily activities. In unusual and dis
lepsy represent a basic affliction of consciousness,"
turbing situations, the children often fail to manifest
and concludes "the fact that these children exhibit
any cognitive functions that parents often report.
such episodes would seem to be a weighty piece of
When examined after medical stabilization has taken
evidence r egarding their conscious status."
place, and in the setting of the home environment
•
Merker 's arguments for the presence of conscious
ness in hydranencephalic children have not remained
upon which these medically fragile children are cru
cially dependent, th ey give proof of being conscious
unchallenged. Behrendt (2007) believes that "signs of
(Merker, 2007 ).
pleasure or excitement exhibited by anencephalic chil
dren are not necessarily in dicative of conscious expe
rience" and they m ay be regarded as automatic be
havioral reactions activated by appropriate stim uli. ACKNOWLEDG MENT
In opposition to the notion that hydranencephalic I am indebted to Bjorn Merker for provid ing the
children have consciousness, Morin (2007) argues pi ture of Niki an d receiving penllission from Niki's
that behaviors exhibited b these patients do not mother.
f,) Synapse'
I
6. 556 M . BESHKAR
REFERENCES
Morin A. 2007. Consciousness is more than wakefulness. Behav
Brain Sci 30:99.
Behrendt RP. 2007. 'the hypthalamo--tectoperiaqueductal system: Shewmon DA, Holmes GL, Byrne PA. 1999. Consciousness in
Unconscious underpmnings of conscious behaviour. Behav Brain congenitally decorticate children: Developmental vegetative
Sci 30:85--86. . state as self-fulfilling prophecy. Dev Med Child Neurol 41:364
Counter SA. 2007. Brainstem mediation of the stapedius muscle 374.
reflex in hydranenccphaly. Acta Oto-Laryngol 127:498-504. Watkins S, Rees G. 2007. The human superior colliculus: Neither
Merker B. 2007. Consciousness without a cerebral cortex: A chal necessary, nor sufficient for consciousness? Behav Brain Sci
lenge for neuroscience and medicine. Behav Brain Sci 30:p3-81. 30:107.
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