Neurology
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C. How does Network Theory of the brain affect the way you currently assess and remediate right hemisphere dysfunction in adults or non-verbal learning disability?
Network Theory
According to Mesulam (1985), network theory suggests that “complex behaviors are sub served not by isolated centers but by sets of distributed regions that form integrated functional systems”. The two hemispheres are not separate as they are connected by the corpus callosum. It functions like a telephone exchange (Levy 1985), allowing a two way flow of communication between the hemispheres. The corpus callosum is the site of integration when the two hemispheres are required to work together. Both hemispheres participate in most intellectual activities but make separate contributions to cognitive accomplishments (Burns, Halper, & Mogil, 1985).
I was unaware that both hemispheres can work together and can be utilized to remediate right hemisphere dysfunction or left hemisphere dysfunction.
Right Hemisphere
Right hemisphere functions, in most people, are global or gestalt, dealing with the whole and recognition of overall patterns. The right hemisphere main functions include; spatial orientation, body awareness, facial recognition, music recognition (melody),
pre-verbal and non-verbal (gestural), interpreting symbols, and creative/lateral thinking (daydreaming).
It processes information globally as a gestalt, simultaneously, subjectively intuitively, and knowing based on intuition. However, both hemispheres participate in all levels in various thought processes (network theory). According to Levy (1985), the way we think is a result of the degree of integration of the two hemispheres with each hemisphere contributing its own special capabilities to all cognitive activities. Cells multi-task in the brain. Neurons “fire together wire together”. Cerebral inputs and outputs are often reciprocal and redundant according to Devinsky & Desposito (2004).
Assessment and Treatment