In Chapter 5 from the Oliver Sacks book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Sacks meets a sixty-year-old woman named Madeline J. She has the condition cerebral palsy. She frequently discusses the inability to feel in her hands. Her perception was impaired, and she believes that her hands are useless. It was difficult for Madeline to identify objects. Although she calls her hands useless she still has sensory ability. Madeline could still identify touch, light, pain, and temperature. She believed that her conduction affected her hands. Sacks was confused at her statement because it is not common for the condition cerebral palsy to affect the hands. Sacks tries conducting an experiment with Madeline; in attempt to get her to use her hands. …show more content…
He tried to convince Madeline to use her hands to feed herself. After feeding herself, she was curious and began to feel other objects with her hands. Eventually Madeline began sculpting and using her hands on her spare time. Madeline learned how to control her hands. Sacks concludes that Madeline was able to use her hands again because the human brain is wired to control of their own hands. Sacks also concludes that in some cases patients lose their ability of their hands and feet; however, some patients can regain that ability quicker than others. In Hutton Pharaoh, & Rosenbloom (2002), researchers studied children born with cerebral palsy born in between 1966 and 1989 in counties of Merseyside and Chesure. Children developed cerebral palsy in prenatal through 28 days after birth were considered early impairment cerebral palsy. (EICP) Children who developed impairment after 28 days through 5 years were classified as late impairment cerebral palsy (LICP). Data was collected on the children cognitive, motor, and sensory abilities. This information was obtaining for hospital recorders. The cognitive ability was measured based on IQ and classified in four categories ranging from normal to severe. The motor ability was measure in terms of individual movement. The manual or individual movement was classified onto four categories from normal inability to feed or dress themselves. Other tasks that were included manual ability included minimal disability to requiring a wheel chair. The sensory ability was measured on hearing, and vision. Hearing was measured into five categories ranging from normal, moderate hearing loss, moderate bilateral; hearing loss and severe hearing loss and non- responsive. Vision was measured and classified into five categories ranging in normal, worse in better eye, to visual disability. The research measured the effects of motor, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, birth weight and year of birth. Approximately 1942 children were included in this analysis. Majority of the EICP cases and LICP cases were diagnosed before the age of five. Children with EICP had severe cognitive and motor disabilities. Hearing and visual disabilities did not have statistically severity. In children with LICP, less cognitive disability was displayed; however, LICP children experienced a hearing disability. There was a correlation between low survival rate and children with a hearing disability and visual disability. Survival rate varied among genders and EICP and LICP. Females with EICP or LICP has a better survival rate than males. This research implicates that cerebral palsy can vary among many different abilities by birth weight. Children who were born as low birth weight children, had a low survival rate. This article is a relatively older article. The methodology makes sense and the variables measured were interesting; however, there were a few questions I has while reading this article. The first question is “Was there a variance and socioeconomic status and the development of cerebral palsy? Although in some classes, there have been topics on the biological component effects the human brain; however, I have taken a course previously that describes the biopsychosocial model. While reading this article, I know that biologically have a large part in the development of this disorder; however, I am curious to know if there is a higher rate of instances in some socioeconomic status. The article discusses cognitive abilities; however, it does not distinguish what cognitive abilities are measured. There are multiple cognitive abilities that could be measured such as memory, decision making, and intellectual abilities. Also, this study does not show a variance in race or ethnicity. Another limitation from this article has is the race and ethnicity of participants. The article did not clarify the differences in race. Society today is vastly different than it was 30-50 years ago. It would be very interesting to see this study replicated today with multiple different ethnic groups and socioeconomic status to determine if any of these variables have a significance as an effect of cerebral palsy. If more cognitive abilities were measure, it can relate to the public because the field of psychology has changed drastically over the past 30-50 years. In Romeo et al, 2014, researchers estimated the frequency of sleep disorders in children with cerebral palsy. Sleep disorders are more frequent in children with cerebral palsy than in typically developing children. The aim of this study was to estimate of sleep disorders in children after the age of six and the relationship and evaluate the relationship between sleep disorder and cognitive, behavioral, and motor problems. One hundred and sixty-five children with cerebral palsy, ranging in age six through sixteen participated in this study.
The children were divided into four groups according to the four types of cerebral palsy. The four groups were diplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia, and dyskinesia. Diplegia is a form of cerebral palsy that has muscle spasms. Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body. Quadriplegia is paralysis on both arms and legs. Dyskinesia is the impartment of movement. All the children had sleep disturbances. Cognitive function was measured using Weschler Intelligence Scale for children. Behavior was measured using the Child Behavior Checklist. The primary caregiver reported behavior problems. Motor function was measured using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and direct observations. Sleep disturbances were measured using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Common sleep disorders that were assessed in children and adolescents were the following: disorders of maintaining sleep, sleep breathing disorders, nightmares, sleepwalking, jerks, and hallucinations. The results showed approximately 40% of children with cerebral palsy had at least one sleep related issue. Children with cerebral palsy were reported to have higher rates of motor restlessness. Approximately 48% of children who had abnormal sleep behaviors also had motor impairment and low IQ scores. The researchers in this article also assess the child’s behavior and cerebral palsy. It was reported that higher rates of attention problems and aggression were more common in children with hemiplegia and dyskinetic cerebral palsy than in children with quadriplegia and diplegia. Behavior issues were more associated with sleep disorder. The researchers concluded that sleep disorders are common in children with cerebral palsy. Children were more likely to suffer from sleep disorders and other impairments such as following as motor, cognitive, and
behavior. This article was interesting, there were a few limitations to the study. One limitation is the age range. The terms adolescents and children are general terms. The demographics should more restrictive. In adolescent’s puberty begins and changes occur in the body. Sleep disturbances occur. Focusing on adolescents and children in two separate studies would provide more distinctive results between the two groups. The article should have provided more information on specific sleep disorder that children with cerebral palsy may experience. The researchers’’ findings were resulted to their purpose of the study. The article measured behavior, sleep disorders, and cognitive abilities; however, cognitive abilities are more than IQ scores. For this article is was not discussed on what specific cognitive abilities were affective from sleep disorders and cerebral palsy. It would be interesting to see future research assess for cognitive measure than IQ scores. These articles are different from each other because one article measure the survival rates of cerebral palsy and if the onset of cerebral palsy is affected In Hutton, Pharaoh & Rosenbloom (2002), the researchers discussed the effects of low birth weight and the survival of cerebral palsy. Low birth weight is generally s variable that is assess when there is a disability in an individual. It was interesting to read the significant differences in birth weight and its effects on cognitive abilities, motor function, and death. It was fascinating to see how survival in cerebral palsy varies due to the severity of the disorder and the birth weight affects many other variables. Romeo et. al focus on how sleep is affected by cerebral palsy on other functions such as cognitive, moto, and behavioral. This study also wanted to determine if children and adolescents with cerebral palsy develop sleep disorders. Sleep is a very important key component of survival. Sleep disturbance creates impartment in cognitive and behavioral abilities. Also, in this study multiple questionnaire were provided. to the parents of the children and adolescents. Both articles are similar because they both measure some of the same variables such as motor movement and cognitive abilities. Although in Hutton and Pharaoh measure the biological affect of low birth weight and cerebral palsy, it would be beneficial to research other psychological impairments not just in IQ.
The book Blind, written by Rachel DeWoskin, is about a highschool sophomore named Emma, who went blind after being struck in the face with a firework. When she first lost her sight, Emma was placed in a hospital for over 2 months, and once she was released, she could finally go home again. DeWoskin uses the characterization of Emma throughout the beginning of the text to help the reader understand the character’s struggle more. Especially in the first few chapters, it was difficult for Emma to adapt to a world without sight. For instance, DeWoskin writes, “And sat down, numb, on our gold couch. And tried to open my eyes, rocked, counted my legs and arms and fingers. I didn’t cry. Or talk” (DeWoskin 44). As a result of losing a very important scent, she’s started to act differently from a person with sight.
Throughout this passage Nancy Mairs uses the word cripple to describe who she is and the beliefs of her condition. She does this by describing her condition in a few different ways; the opinion of others and the opinion of herself. As anyone should she decides what her title as a person should be and she doesn’t listen or care for anyone’s opinion outside of her own. Her tone is very straightforward throughout the passage. Mairs describes her condition and how it relates to the actions and response of other people in any situation.
Losses, Excesses, Transports, and The World of the Simple are all four topics in the book “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales,” by Oliver Sacks. You might not understand what those mean or discuss until you realize who Oliver Sacks is. Oliver Sacks is a Neurologist who has had the chance to take upon these twenty-four case studies and share them in a book. The book is more focused on neurological functions, different forms of the mind, and hallucinations/visions. All of these are related to the first few chapters in our Psychology textbook (Chapters 2,3,6,8,10). Oliver Sacks gives us clear insight into the mind of those that perceive things much differently than most. It is a clear insight to what most of us are curious about but may not fully understand.
As human beings, we like to make sure never to offend or judge anyone. We even have sayings like “never judge a book by its cover”. A metaphor that is often said whenever trying not to judge someone based on their outward appearance; however, it is not often that people practice what they preach. We judge people based on external factors within seconds. Even though we know what people see on the outside is not a defining factor or who we are as people. Nancy Mairs, author of On Being a Cripple, has to live through this every day. She knows this truth very well, and lives proudly with the fact that as she is disabled. Mairs is admirable for choosing to call herself a “cripple” and not be ashamed of it. Though the word is derogatory and a word that is avoided by society, Mairs identifies herself as a cripple because that is what she is. In explaining her disability, she says, “I haven’t always been crippled, ... to be whole of limb is ... infinitely more pleasant and useful. and if that knowledge leaves me open to bitterness … the physical soundness I once enjoyed is well worth the occasional stab of regret” (Mairs 186). What really
The author states,” Harrison plucked the mental handicap from her ear, snapped off her physical handicaps with marvelous delicacy.” People could easily take off their handicaps whenever they wanted to. This clearly shows us the reader that the text is telling how easy it is to take off handicaps. But if it is easy to take off handicaps then that means the handicaps in “Harrison Bergeron”, is useless to the people with abilities. They can take off the handicaps whenever they want to but they would have to do it secretly. George has to wear an earpiece which means he could take it out,but he would have to do it secretly when no one associated with the government was watching. Therefore, this makes handicaps useless and a waste of time to make or everyone in this story. As a result, the handicaps in this story is useless for everyone wearing it in the
Two ideas about the nervous system that can be better understood from these observations are the concepts of having and locating the I-function. It seems that the I-function here is very often affected in terms of voluntary movement. A person with Arnold-Chiari malformation who has lost the feeling in and control of his arm for example will not be able to move it even upon someone's request and his or her own desire to do so. Some use of the I-function is definitely impaired. However, these observations do not seem to necessarily imply that some part of the I-function was damaged, because it may very well be located elsewhere- connections may have simply been lost. A person with Arnold-Chiari can still think and have a sense of self, but somehow can not connect with the various body parts that can be affected. Some uses and pathways of the I-function can be understood, but the exact location of it remains vague.
The Man Who Was Almost A Man by Richard Wright and The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara share a common theme; young individuals lost in society. Both stories portray their main characters as teenagers who haven’t quite figured out their position in society. They both appear to be strong-willed and independent, but in reality they are not. Both use slang language due to their environment, have difficult financial situations, earn what they think is a sense of responsibility, and insufficient guilty among others who are more prestigious in society than they are. The two main characters, David and Sylvia are set out to learn valuable lessons. In the end, however, neither of them have actually learned anything.
The novel, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks, is a neurological and psychological journal of Dr. Oliver Sacks’s patients. He describes each one of his patients illnesses into twenty-four short stories. These short stories are split into 4 parts: Losses, Excesses, Transports, and The World of the Simple.
"On Being a Cripple" is an autobiographical essay by Nancy Mairs. The author was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her late twenties, and has since then lost full use of several limbs. Despite the stigma around the use of the word, Mairs refers to herself as a "cripple". With the use of this word she attempts to accept the reality of her situation without feeling sorry for herself. The author also demands the same of her readers and the people that she meets in her life. Mairs writes to those who wish to learn more about what it is like to live with this debilitating disease and how people react to it. She uses this essay to make a point about how society labels people while telling her story in a manner which cites examples from her life. She describes her life through everyday situations that occur when living with MS. Mairs does not have the same physical abilities that most of us don't think twice about, but she carries on with her life without the need for pity or a new vocabulary that attempts to make her condition seem less severe.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat Written By: Dr. Oliver Sacks. Although the title suggests a comical book, Oliver Sacks presents an entirely different look at the mentally challenged/disturbed. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a book that explains why a patient shows signs of loss, excesses, transport, and simplicity. Coincidentally, the book opens with its titling story, letting the reader explore the mind of an accomplished doctor who seems to have lost his true sight of life.
Many people have heard the term cerebral palsy and may have a personal perception about the appearance and effects of this
In the 1960’s, an Austrian pediatrician, Dr. Andres Rett, recognized a few of his female patients with similar indications of having some type of neurologic disorder but did not fit the cerebral palsy classification (Zoghbi, 2002). Without the knowledge of earlier research, a Swedish physician, Bengt Hagberg, began to openly speak about his observations similarly to Dr. Andres Rett records (Zoghbi, 2002). Bengt Hagberg observed numerous of female patients with this unknown syndrome and was curious in their wringing hand movement that no textbook had information on. In June 1981 Dr. Neil Gordon hosted a board meeting of the European Federations of Child Neurology Societies in Manchester and Bengt Hagberg had the opportunity to share his studies there. The discussion group had other pediatric neurologists that had seen the same behaviors but they all were unable to categorize it into its own identity. As years past, this syndrome has increased and neurologist began to evaluate this syndrome t...
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination and other disabilities, which causes damage to the brain before and during birth. Cerebral palsy is a static disorder of the brain, not a progressive disorder. This mean that the disorder or disease process will not get worse as time goes on. Nor are the motor disorders associated with cerebral palsy temporary. (Miller and Bachrach pg. 3) Cerebral Palsy affects the nervous system by having dysfunctions, in movements such as, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking. During the first 3 to 5 years of a child's life Cerebral Palsy occur because the baby's brain is still developing. (CP is one of the most common congenital (existing before birth or at birth) disorders of childhood). Spastic, athetoid, ataxic and dystonic are all different types of Cerebral Palsy. Majority of circumstances with children having CP are unknown, then again numerous results show problems during pregnancy in which the brain is damaged or doesn't develop normally. “This can be due to infections, maternal health problems, a genetic disorder, or something else that interferes with normal brain development.” Cerebral palsy is also caused by injuries and abnormalities of the brain; as the baby grows in the womb these problems occur. Some causes may lead to problems with brain development which include:
During her recovery stage, she began to move more often than before. She became dependent on the use of her eyes and ears, to help move her body. If she closes her eyes, even for a brief moment she loses control of her body and it collapses. She was the first of her kind that was diagnosed with this disorder. The name of Christina’s disorder is called severe sensory neuronopathies
A narrative is constructed to elicit a particular response from its audience. In the form of a written story, authors use specific narrative strategies to position the ‘ideal reader’ to attain the intended understanding of the meanings in the text. Oliver Sacks’ short story The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is an unusual short story because it does not display conventional plot development; the story does not contain conflict or resolution of conflict. The genre of the story is also difficult to define because it reads as an autobiographical account of an experience Sacks had with a patient while working as a neurologist. Although it is arguable that the narrative is a work of non-fiction, it is nevertheless a representation, distinct from a reflection of the real events. It is a construction, Sacks chose the elements that were included and omitted in the narrative and used narrative strategies to position readers to process the signs in the text and produce reach the dominant understanding. This blurring of truth and fiction is similar to that in the genre of ‘new journalism’. Although, rather than being a journalist writing a fictional piece of journalism, Sacks is a doctor writing a fictional medical analysis. To influence readers’ comprehension of the narrative, Sacks utilised the point of view strategy of subjective narration, atypical in this short story in that a characterisation or representation of Oliver Sacks is the narrator and Oliver Sacks the person is the real author. The story is character-driven rather than plot-driven and regardless of how accurate a depiction of the real people the characters are, they are constructions. Sacks gave the characters of Doctor P. and his namesake admirable and sympathetic trait...