STROKE ASSESSMENT AND BRAIN LOBE INVOLVEMENT


Scenario 1: Sam had a stroke involving the occipital area of the brain. His vision was affected. 
 He was advised by his doctor to give up his driving privileges. He refused and drove into a tree.

Scenario 2: Tina's stroke involved the parietal lobe. She is having difficulty with distinguishing right from left and math calculations. Enjoy the video: The stroke patient

What testing is done after a stroke?
An eye exam may become necessary to check for visual deficits. Visual acuity testing is done from about 20 feet away.

What is stereognosis?
The normal ability to identify objects by touching.


Can you identify brain lobe involvement after a stroke?

Scenario 3: Tom had a stroke which involved the temporal lobe. He now has difficulty with his hearing and memory loss.

Scenario 4: Ellen was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the frontal lobe. A tumor resection was done. Ellen is now showing signs of impaired judgement and unsteady gait.

What is the human brain made up of?
The human brain is made of 2 cerebral hemispheres: left and right. The corpus callosum forms a bridge that joins them together. Each hemisphere has 4 lobes. Millions of nerve cells called neurons originate in the brain and transmit information all over the body. The nerve pathways in the brain cross over. This results in the left brain controlling the functions of the right and vice versa.

What are the lobes of the cerebral hemispheres?
The frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

What are the different lobes responsible for?
Frontal Lobe: responsible for motor activity and judgement/reasoning
Parietal Lobe: responsible for distinguishing right and left; and math calculations
Temporal Lobe: responsible for memory and hearing
Occipital Lobe: responsible for vision

What are the CNS and PNS?
The CNS is the Central Nervous System and is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS is the Peripheral Nervous System and is made of the nerves outside of the CNS. Cranial nerves are part of the PNS. The optic nerve does not seem to be included.

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