According to a story recently published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, a new study has shown that antidepressants, often prescribed to victims of traumatic brain injuries to cope with the emotional fallout of their trauma, also help to renew brain cells.
Traumatic Brain Injury Victims Getting More Out of Their Scripts
The study gave imipramine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, to injured lab mice. Researcher, Dr. Jason Huang, associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center and chief of neurosurgery at Highland Hospital in New York, found that the mice treated with imipramine showed 70% more brain cell growth than the mice that were not treated with the drug. In addition to cell growth, the treated mice also displayed, through behavioral testing, improved memory skills.
Huang commented on the results of the study:
“What we propose in this study is that if you give [the drugs] right after the injury, in addition to the other treatments the patient is getting, we think additionally it could improve their cognitive function.”
The cell growth takes place in the section of the brain called the hippocampus – the area that controls memory. This explains the memory improvements seen in the mice treated with imipramine. While the drug stimulated much cell growth and improved cognitive functioning, it did nothing in the way of mobility or motor functions. So at this point, it is clear that antidepressants may revive a brain injury victim’s wits, but not necessarily their previous physicality.
Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia
Victims of traumatic brain injuries face life long complications – from cognitive set backs to physical limitations. TBI can change lives; not only of it’s victims, but also that victim’s family and friends. To treat and care for someone dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury can be difficult and costly. Few people are prepared to make the financial and physical commitment to providing the kind of care that is necessary to sustain a good quality of life. And unfortunately, TBI is often brought about by the negligence of someone else.
If your loved one recently suffered a traumatic brain injury and you believe another party is responsible, you probably have a list of questions regarding your legal rights. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.