Describes the use of a performance checklist for teaching nursing staff to conduct a basic neurological assessment. The checklist is reported to be an extremely objective evaluation tool and provides immediate feedback on performance. A copy of the checklist is included. (Editor/TA)

Visual, auditory, and somatosensory evoked responses were recorded from six age groups of Down's syndrome persons (n=66) and age and sex-matched nonretarded individuals (n=66) ranging in age from 5 to 62 years and assigned to groups on the basis of observable signs of development and aging. (Author)

In eighteen chronic schizophrenics, subcutaneous doses of the dopamine reception agonist, apomorphine, improved psychotic symptoms. The results are interpreted as a consequence of presynaptic dopamine receptor activationby apomorphine with a subsequent decrease in dopamine-mediated neural transmission. (Author/BB)

The study involving 10 normal hearing young adults was designed to determine to what extent onset times of overlapping spondaic words were controlled in the development of the Staggered Spondaic Word Test (List EC), a measure which is used to detect perceptual processing problems associated with central auditory dysfunction. (Author/SBH)

This paper proposes a reading model based on the metaphorical usage of neurobiological knowledge. The basic units, organization, and functioning of the Nurogen Model are described. The model's empirical scope is discussed focusing on letter and word perception, theme effects in comprehension, and the influences of text characteristics upon…

The role played by neuroembryological forces in shaping brain development is well documented in Nowakowski's (1987) article. Additional mechanisms whereby experience may influence brain structure and function are outlined. Several routes exist by which postnatal experiential influences may produce long-term alterations in behavior and…

Recent studies on the biological development of the prefrontal cortex in rhesus monkeys are reviewed. These studies have elucidated the basic neural circuitry underlying the delayed-response function in adult nonhuman primates and suggest that a critical mass of cortical synapses is important for the emergence of this cognitive function. (BN)

Describes some of the chemical compounds involved in the nervous system and their roles in transmitting nerve signals. Discusses acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, glycine, glutemate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid and their effects within the nervous system. (CW)

The article reviews evaluation and management of neuropsychiatric sequelae of severe head injuries occurring in childhood and adolescence. Medical management and psychotherapeutic interventions are discussed in the contexts of hospitalization and long-term follow-up at home and in the community. (Author/DB)

Noting the lack of experimental evidence substantiating the efficacy of educational strategies designed to exploit the right hemisphere of the brain, a study was designed to assess the cognitive shift model of the Edwards' training procedure. Results showed no difference between the Edwards' procedure and a placebo procedure. Implications for the…

Research indicates that deaf individuals do not develop the usual hemispheric specialization for verbal and nonverbal processing and that early severe hearing impairment influences the lateral organization of the brain for interpreting linguistic information. Possible instructional implications include encouraging an early symbol system for…

Discusses the concept of automaticity in the learning process. The mastery of skills depends on the individual's ability to perform it unconsciously with speed and accuracy while consciously carrying on other brain functions. (MD)

The article discusses the arithmetic achievement deficits of learning disabled students, cites research on cognitive factors involved, reviews the neurological evidence, and describes orientations focusing on cognitive psychology and the instructional context. Recent findings of an arithmetic task force from Columbia University are summarized. (CL)

The theoretical basis and effectiveness of a neuromotor intervention were investigated across seven cerebral palsied, severely disabled children, (2 1/2-12 years old). Results suggested a training effect in the data of three children. Theoretical relationships among abnormal tonic reflexes and normal motor patterns were not supported by the data.…

This book offers helping professionals an introduction to the neurobiological aspects of substance abuse. It presents the basic information on the subject, including the various neurobiological theories of addiction, and places them in a psychosocial context. In addition to connecting the theoretical information with practical applications, the…