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Traumatic Brain Injury Literature Review

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Literature Review
Traumatic brain injuries are inherently complex in that most do not affect only one brain region or circuit but encompass many different dimensions. In the case of Judy, the frontal and temporal lobes are injured along with generalized stress put on most other brain regions as well (Apps, Newby, & Roberts, 2010). This complicates the process of relating individual symptomology to specific isolated causality. Rather traumatic brain injury being a consequence of specific, repeatable action, each incident is a product of its own unique circumstance constructed from many different connections. Due to this, it makes sense to focus on one or a few different areas that have more profound implications on the system than more minor …show more content…
Dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter prominent for its function in addiction and reward, is synthesized in the VTA and is a main component of the mesolimbic system as well, being transported from the NAc to the rest of the system as a whole (Goldman-Rakic, 1998). VTA neurons respond to reward signals and increase in activity, while the NAc helps translate motivated drive into motivated behavior, and the PFC, specifically the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, helps represent and integrate goals and reward (Ballard et al., …show more content…
People are able to function well on a daily basis without constantly being overcome by intense urges for food, water, or sex that cannot be stopped until the brain’s request is fulfilled (Miller & Cohen, 2001). We are able to recognize whether it is an appropriate time/location/situation to pursue said desire, and if the circumstances are not correct, we are able to suppress the desire until a more appropriate condition arises. This is due to the mesolimbic system being highly influenced by executive functions of the prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobe (McClure, York, & Montague, 2004). The prefrontal cortex is employed when top-down processing is utilized, and is known for being the site of behavior inhibition, working memory, selective attention, and goal directed behavior, all things that are active when regulating and influencing rewarded behavior (McClure et al., 2004). Recent studies have shown a negative correlation between the prefrontal cortex and the mesolimbic system (Diekhof & Gruber, 2010). When the prefrontal cortex is highly active, the mesolimbic system is not, and the other way remains true too. This helps demonstrate that the prefrontal cortex can be observed as a means of regulating the reward pathway. A model of this action can be seen in gamblers. When faced with a decision to either receive instant gratification in the moment or wait for the future to

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