Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which people, who lack general life skills such as social skills, have a unique outstanding ability in a specific field such as math, science, or art (Notes taken in class).
2. What does genius mean? Explain the difference between genius and savant.
A genius is a person with remarkable skills in particular or various fields like the one mentioned above. They have these odd abilities usually from a young age and are comparable to masters of the similar field. They are not medically identified as a specific group but much research is done on them. The difference with geniuses and savants are that savants are mentally-disabled with a specific forte, while geniuses have normal skills that on average people have, but excell because of their love of education and possibly genetic details (Notes taken in class).
3. What is a stroke and how could it affect your mental functioning?A stroke is a medical emergency where blood-flow to the brain is decreased or stopped. This often leads to inability of moving limbs, speaking or listening, or seeing. A stroke is a serious event because it can cause permanent neurological damage. It is the second cause of death worldwide and the main cause of disability in the United States and Europe (Wikipedia.org).
4. What is a functional MRI and how does it help us understand brain activity?
Fucntional MRI, a.k.a. magnetic resonance imaging, is a type of specialized MRI scan. It captures bloodflow realting to neurologic activity. It helps us understand brain activity because it uses less radiation but can capture thoughts and neurological activities in certain circumstances (Wikipedia.org).
5. What is the corpus callosum and what role does it play in your brain's activity?
The corpus callosum is a broad band of nerve fibers that connect the two hemispheres of the brain. This part of the brain is the largest white-matter body in the organ. It plays an integral role in inter-hemispherical communication (http://scienceblogs.com/corpuscallosum and http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-corpus-callosum.htm).
6. What is epilepsy and how might it affect your brain's abilities?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that occurs in many individuals characterized by seizures. It is identified by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions. It is associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects your brain's activities by taking it off its regular tasks and damaging brain structures (Apple Dictionary and Wikipedia.org).
7. What is autism?
Autism is a mental condition that causes a person to have problems socially interacting with other people. It is recognized from early childhood and is characterized by difficulty communicating, using language and abstract concepts, and forming relationships (Apple Dictionary and Wikipedia.org).
8. What is Asperger's Syndrome?
Asperger's Syndrome is a type of autism characterized by repetitive patterns of behavior and interests (Wikipedia.org).
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