According to a new study, a drug that is used for treating bipolar disorder might help those with traumatic brain injuries. Specifically, the drug may help with preserving the function of the brain and with preventing the death of nerve cells in those with TBI. This study’s findings may provide hope for those in Texas who are suffering from these types of injuries, the effects of which can be life changing.
The Rutgers University scientists who performed the study found that, in the presence of lithium and rapamycin, a chemical known as glutamate was not able to send signals to cells. This helps prevent further damage to the brain cells. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that helps with treating bipolar disorder and depression, while rapamycin is used to treat certain types of cancer.
Several drugs that are currently used for patients with TBI are designed to treat brain injury symptoms and stop pain. They do not necessarily help to prevent damage from continuing to occur. With the new scientific discovery, researchers were able to produce a drug that had the potential to keep brain cells from dying.
With about 1.7 million people suffering from brain injury each year, TBI is a significant cause of disability and death in the United States. Unfortunately, brain injury can lead to hearing and vision problems along with depression, memory impairment and personality changes. Those in Texas who suffer from traumatic brain injuries due to the carelessness of another person, such as a reckless driver, have the right to file a personal injury claim against that party, seeking damages. A monetary award in a successfully litigated lawsuit may help with covering ongoing health expenses and other losses related to the brain injury.
Source: sciencedaily.com, “Traumatic brain injuries may be helped with drug used to treat bipolar disorder“, May 8, 2017
