Irreversible brain damage

Infants are protected during gestation because the placenta clears most potential toxins. The classical form of the disease therefore does not become clinically manifest until a few days after birth. An initial phase of alternating irritability and lethargy progresses over a period of days to frank coma and respiratory embarrassment. Irreversible brain damage is common in babies who survive, particularly those whose treatment is delayed until after the first week of life. 

The over-production of bilirubin to the point at which the liver s capacity to metabolize is exceeded or if there is dysfunction of the liver itself due to damage or metabolic immaturity, can lead to a yellow discolouration of tissues called jaundice. The accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in neonates, often as a result of antibody-mediated destruction of the baby s red cells is dangerous as serious and irreversible brain damage can occur. Acute or chronic damage to the adult liver (hepatitis) may cause jaundice but not brain damage. 

Encephalopathic syndrome Encephalopathic syndrome has occurred in a few patients given lithium plus a neuroleptic. In some instances, irreversible brain damage occurred. Monitor closely for evidence of neurologic toxicity. 

Cohen WJ, Cohen NH. Lithium carbonate, haloperidol and irreversible brain damage. JAMA 1974 230 1283-1287. 

Inhalants in general can, and often do, cause serious impairment of mental functions. They also can cause irreversible brain damage, particularly to the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum. This can result in personality changes, memory impairment, hallucinations, loss of coordination, and slurred speech, according to the ONDCP. 

Lead and mercury may cause the development of autoimmunity, in which a person s immune system attacks its own cells. This can lead to joint diseases and ailments of the kidneys, circulatory system, and neurons. At higher doses, lead and mercury can cause irreversible brain damage. 

Von Kummer R, Bourquain H, Bastianello S, Bozzao L, Manelfe C, Meier D et al (2001) Early prediction of irreversible brain damage after ischemic stroke at CT. Radiology 219 95-100... 

Animal research provides definitive and apparently incontrovertible evidence that neuroleptics often cause irreversible brain damage. This is consistent with more recent studies reviewed earlier in the chapter that demonstrate how both older and newer atypical neuroleptics are highly toxic to living cells in animals. 

Originally, it was thought that, except in extreme cases, lithium-induced neurotoxicity was reversible. However, it eventually became apparent that many patients develop irreversible brain damage and dysfunction, often involving the cerebellum (Grignon et al., 1996). In the last two decades, researchers have defined a syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT). Adityanjee et al. (2005) reviewed the literature from 1965 to 2004 for cases of lithium neurotoxicity with the persistence of sequelae for at least 2 months after cessation of treatment. They found 90 cases of SILENT, with persistent cerebellar dysfunction as the most commonly reported persistent aftereffect. These... 

BREAKING NEWS IN ECT RESEARCH SHOCK TREATMENT CAUSES IRREVERSIBLE BRAIN DAMAGE AND DYSFUNCTION... 

Overstimulation of mammalian CNS receptors after cerebral ischaemia and trauma can result in irreversible brain damage. Certain polyamine toxins from... 

With PHPD, drug-free recovery with supportive counseling is often adequate treatment, although recovery may take several months, and anti-anxiety medication may be needed to treat the secondary anxiety and panic disorder that develops when the individuals feel that they are irreversibly brain-damaged and will never see normally again. 

Methyl mercuric chloride Irreversible brain damage... 

Phenylketonuria, caused by a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase, is one of the most common genetic diseases associated with amino acid metabolism. If this condition is not identified and treated immediately after birth, mental retardation and other forms of irreversible brain damage occur. This damage results mostly from the accumulation of phenylalanine. (The actual mechanism of the damage is not understood.) When it is present in excess, phenylalanine undergoes transamination to form phenylpyruvate, which is also converted to phenyllactate and phenyl-acetate. Large amounts of these molecules are excreted in the urine. Phenylacetate gives the urine its characteristic musty odor. Phenylketonuria is treated with a low-phenylalanine diet. 

In infants, increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin (lipid-soluble) may cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in the basal ganglia, causing irreversible brain damage (kernicterus). 

---