Friday, March 27, 2009

Is brain necessary?

Do we really think with our brain? Is brain vital for mind processing? Or not?

British Neurologist, John Lorber conducted case studies involving victims with hydrocephalus, more commonly known as water in the brain. The condition results from an abnormal build up of (cerebrospinal fluid) CSF and can cause severe retardation and death if not treated.

Two young children with hydrocephalus referred to Lorber presented with normal mental development for their age. In both children, there was no evidence of a cerebral cortex. One of the children died at age 3 months, the second at 12 months. He was still following a normal development profile with the exception of the apparent lack of cerebral tissue shown by repeated medical testing.

Later, a colleague at Sheffield University became aware of a young man with a larger than normal head. He was referred to Lorber even though it had not caused him any difficulty. Although the boy had an IQ of 126 and had a first class honours degree in mathematics, he had "virtually no brain". A noninvasive measurement of radio density known as CAT scan showed the boy's skull was lined with a thin layer of brain cells to a millimeter in thickness. The rest of his skull was filled with CSF. The young man continues a normal life with the exception of his knowledge that he has no brain.

He has documented over 600 scans of people with hydrocephalus and has broken them into four groups:

a. those with nearly normal brains
b. those with 50-70% of the cranium filled with CSF
c. those with 70-90% of the cranium filled with CSF
d. and the most severe group with 95% of the cranial cavity filled with CSF

Many neurologists feel that this is a tribute to the brain's redundancy and its ability to reassign functions. Others, however, are not so sure. Patrick Wall, professor of anatomy at University College, London states "To talk of redundancy is a cop-out to get around something you don't understand."

Norman Geschwind, a neurologist at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital agrees: "Certainly the brain has a remarkable capacity for reassigning functions following trauma, but you can usually pick up some kind of deficit with the right tests, even after apparently full recovery."

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What is your opinion guys? Or is it more towards inner cognitive thinking? *an opinion from a fellow friend*

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Rufflesia Futsal League Finale 2008/2009


yay! Pebbles, 1st runner up :)


Proud.


While waiting for the prize giving ceremony.


Can you spot me? LOL. fun fun fun.

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2nd jamming session


Busu, lead guitarist. Head of the band.


Zul, Electric guitarist.


Chai, bassist.
Take note of his cool 'fret-less' bass guitar.


Sam, drummer.


Last but not least, your blogger.


Playing a fool. Exchanging roles.


Nice electric guitar.


Jamming with Chai's bass. Or not :P


Woohoo.


Compulsory camwhore session. LOL


Presenting to you, Mi Corazón.

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