Soccer MRI

The Soccer Mom:
A Case Study on the Nervous System

by
Jennifer Bolognese, Misti Coronel, Anita Intorre, and Phil Stephens
Biology Department
Villanova University


Part I—At the Soccer Game

Thirty-two-year-old Phyllis Jackson was sitting on the bench at the side of the soccer field, sipping a bottle of Gatorade. Her husband, Steven, sat next to her with a concerned expression.

“I’m really worried about you, honey,” he said.

“I’m just a little dehydrated; I’ll be fine.”

“If this were the first incident, then maybe I’d agree with you. But your boss has been on your case about your lack of concentration at work, you forgot to pick up the kids from school last week, and quite frankly, you haven’t exactly been yourself with me lately. Now you’re having fainting spells during games? Something doesn’t seem right.”

“I know things haven’t been going well for me lately, but I don’t know why. I try so hard at work, at home, with the kids, to be a good wife. So maybe all this stress has made me a little unfocused and disoriented. What do you want me to do about it?” Phyllis said, blinking back tears.

“I think you should see a doctor,” Steven replied, putting his arm around her and drawing her close. “The kids are getting worried, too.”

Phyllis sighed. “Alright, if it will make you feel better. I really just think I need some time to relax, though.”

“Well… I could drop the kids off at my sister’s tonight; that would give us a little free time…”

“That’s really thoughtful of you. I could definitely use a quiet night at home, maybe even go to bed early.”

Steven seemed disappointed.

Questions

  1. What problems does Phyllis seem to be experiencing?
  2. Which of these problems could be caused by dehydration?
  3. Which of these problems might make you consider that there’s something more going on? Why?
  4. Suppose Phyllis does have a more serious problem. Can you think of any neurological problems that could be the cause of these symptoms?

Go to Part II—“The Doctor Visit”

Date Posted: 04/19/05 nas

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