A Case Study on the Nervous System

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?