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About Brain Injury:

A Guide to Brain Anatomy, Function and Symptoms

By Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.

Call me at 800-992-9447

Thanks for clicking on for more information about the structures of inner brain. On this page we continue with our functional guide to brain structures. Brain injury is about a functional change and we hope that these charts will help you to comprehend what changes may be ahead, based upon what the neurosurgeon and other doctors are telling you about the site of the most conspicuous brain pathology. But remember, what the CT shows is only the "tip of the iceberg" in terms of what microscopic pathology that may exist in nearby areas, or in the parts of the brain most vulnerable to the mechanical forces suffered in a particular trauma.

Structures of the Diencephalon (within the cerebrum and continues with the midbrain).

Brain Structure  Function  Associated Signs and Symptoms 

Thalamus

Processing center of the cerebral cortex. Coordinates and regulates all functional activity of the cortex via the integration of the afferent input to the cortex (except olfaction).

Contributes to affectual expression. 

  • Altered level of consciousness.
  • Loss of perception.
  • Thalamic syndrome - spontaneous pain opposite side of body. 

Hypothalamus

Integration center of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulation of body temperature and endocrine function.

Anterior Hypothalamus: parasympathetic activity (maintenance function).

Posterior Hypothalamus: sympathetic activity ("Fight" or "Flight", stress response.

Behavioral patterns: Physical expression of behavior.

Appestat: Feeding center.

Pleasure center.  

  • Hormonal imbalances.
  • Malignant hypothermia.
  • Inability to control temperature.
  • Diabetes Insipidus (DI).
  • Inappropriate ADH (SIADH).
  • Diencephalic dysfunction: "neurogenic storms". 

Internal Capsule 

 Motor tracts. 
  • Contralateral plegia (Paralysis of the opposite side of the body). 
Reticular Activating System (RAS)  Responsible for arousal from sleep, wakefulness, attention. 
  • Altered level of consciousness. 

Continue Brain Function and Pathology

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Return To Brain Anatomy

Intracranial Pressure

Understanding Coma

Rancho Los Amigos Scale/ The Levels of Coma

Objectives of Neurosurgery

A Glossary of Terms  

 

Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.

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