Q301 Fall 2000
Application Paper #1
Individual Project
Preparing your report
In this assignment you will write a report to Casey's parents addressing the questions that Casey's parents are likely to have, and provide information that will help them decide whether to have the surgery.
First, give a brief description of the causes of epilepsy, including a very brief summary of what happens at the neural level to cause the disorder.
The doctors plan to remove Casey's left temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital lobes. Give a brief description of the functions of each area. Based on what you’ve seen in the video and what we’ve talked about in class and read in the reading materials, what cognitive and behavioral functions would you expect the girl to lose as a result of her surgery?
Finally, provide a summary of your prospects for success and your recommendation for the parents. You might give them an idea of how they might go about making their decision. That is, what quality of life factors might influence their choice?
This report should be both informative and compassionate. Remember that her parents must decide whether to go through with the surgery, and your report should help them make this decision. Your report should also be sensitive to the anguish the parents are undergoing.
Timeline
September 19— Application paper #1 due in class
A length of 2-3 pages would probably be sufficient.
Grading Criteria
|
Section |
Possible Points |
Your Points |
Introduction- In your initial section of the report, do you lay out for the parents what you intend to communicate in this report? |
+/- 1 |
|
Description of Epilepsy- Do you provide a brief and concise description of the disorder, including a summary of the interactions at the cellular level? |
+/-1 |
|
List of brain areas and their functions. Do you describe the functions of each brain area? |
+/-2 |
|
|
Prognosis for recovery- Provide your own ideas for the recovery of function. At this point you can only make educated guesses, but then again, so are the doctors when considering a 13 year old. |
+/-2 |
|
|
Executive Summary- Do you summarize the possible deficits and help the parents through their decision with some recommendations for how they should make their choice? |
+/-1 |
Total: 33+ ________ = _________