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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AMD on July 2, 2004, at 16:11:43
I have read studies showing possible brain damage (decrease in NAA in hippocampus) from prolonged bipolar episodes.
Is this damage significant to the point that it would make one a "vegetable" or mentally handicapped? (Assuming depression and/or mania is dealt with.)
If so, it it reversible?
I am currently taking Lamictal, 100 mg, and Celexa 60 mg, with Bipolar II/OCD diagnosis. Wondering how much of my brain is "fried" already and whether I will ever get back my full cognition.
Is Lamictal nootropic or at least neuroprotective, or should I augment it (even if it deals with my depression) with something with known nootropic properies (e.g., Keppra).
Thoughts?
Thanks
a
Posted by linkadge on July 2, 2004, at 17:24:04
In reply to Brain damage from bipolar: significant in life?, posted by AMD on July 2, 2004, at 16:11:43
Yes there is some evidence of decreases NAA levels in the frontal cortex of bipolars, as there is with Methamphetamine abusers.
What to note.
I would assume this is depedant on the duration of illness untreated.
Lithium has been shown to increase levels of NAA in the human brain.
I would assume that most mood stabalizers would prevent NAA decrease, and that it would increase by iteslf over time.
Also note that NAA is simply a marker of neronal viability. When it is decreased it may simply mean that brain cells are not working well, or are srunken etc, not necessarily that brain cells are permanently fried. Lithium and valproate are famous for being able to rescue half dead cells.
Not as much research has been conducted on the other medications. This does not mean they are not neuroprotective.
Linkadge
Posted by AMD on July 2, 2004, at 18:55:17
In reply to Your answer, posted by linkadge on July 2, 2004, at 17:24:04
Thanks. I guess I can always take some lithium if I ever feel as if my levels are dropping significantly.
I do feel a little less articulate these days than I've been in the past, but perhaps that is a side effect of Lamictal or the fact that I'm just recovering from a depressive slide.
a
Posted by SLS on July 3, 2004, at 7:47:49
In reply to Your answer, posted by linkadge on July 2, 2004, at 17:24:04
> Yes there is some evidence of decreases NAA levels in the frontal cortex of bipolars,
> Lithium has been shown to increase levels of NAA in the human brain.
> Also note that NAA is simply a marker of neronal viability.
Do scientists know what functions NAA perfoms yet?Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on July 3, 2004, at 10:06:35
In reply to Re: Your answer » linkadge, posted by SLS on July 3, 2004, at 7:47:49
I believe NAA is simply a byproduct of cellular metabolism, it is high in areas where cells are functioning well.
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on July 4, 2004, at 8:03:25
In reply to Re: Your answer, posted by linkadge on July 3, 2004, at 10:06:35
This is the end of the thread.
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