Lithium 'rectifies brain volumes in bipolar patients'RSS Feed

Lithium rectifies the brain injury seen in those with bipolar disorder, research has found.

Published in Biological Psychiatry, a study revealed that the element, which has long been used to treat the condition, restores the volume deficits in the brain.

Patients with bipolar disorder were seen to have an increased right lateral ventricular, left temporal lobe and right putamen volumes.

Those who had not been treated with lithium were found to have a reduction in cerebral and hippocampal volumes in comparison to healthy participants.

However, bipolar patients who had been treated with lithium showed increased hippocampal and amygdale volume when compared to both those who had not received the drug and the healthy subjects.

Dr John Krystal, editor of the journal, said: "This important mega-analysis provides strong support for regional brain structural alterations associated with bipolar disorder, but also sends a signal of hope that treatments for this disorder may reduce some of these deficits."

This comes after researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that brain injury in a specific region of the brain, which sparks a reduction in brain chemical noradrenalin, is associated with multiple sclerosis.

Serious Law, award winning brain injury law firm

Posted by Paul Breen
 

Lack of brain insulin 'causes diabetes'

17 February 2011

A lack of insulin could be the cause of the brain injury that triggers type 2 diabetes, a study has indicated.Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that impaired brain injury could be to...

Read More...

Swift stroke treatment 'crucial' to avoid brain injury

15 February 2011

Swifter assessment and treatment for suspected stroke victims is associated with better outcomes and a reduced risk of brain injury in patients, it has been claimed.Experts at the US University Hospitals...

Read More...

Pesticides 'linked to Parkinson's disease'

15 February 2011

Pesticides could be causing the brain injury seen in Parkinson's disease, according to new research.Rotenone and paraquat have been linked to the neurodegenerative condition by scientists at the National...

Read More...