Category Archives: Brain Injury

New Study Shows Influenza Virus Increases Risk Of Bipolar Disorder In Fetus

A study released on May 8 in JAMA Psychiatry says that mothers who contract the flu during pregnancy quadruple their child’s chance for bipolar disorder. The study was funded by the National Institute of Health and was conducted by Dr. Alan Brown of Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Brown insists that prospective mothers use common sense preventative measures to decrease their chances of contracting the influenza virus. Past studies have suggested that vaccinating expecting mothers could potentially cause birth defects to the fetus. Dr. Brown says evidence now suggests that the benefits of receiving immunization far outweigh any possible risk. However, only a small number of women get immunized despite public health recommendations. It is up to the prospective parents to ask the concerning questions from their doctor to receive proper vaccination. However, it is also up to the doctor to inform and educate the mother on…
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New Study Reveals Improvement In Motor Function In Children With Cerebral Palsy

A study conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has shown major improvements in motor skills among children with cerebral palsy. Chelsey Sterling, a UAB grad student, authored the study and found that the treatment shows an increase in gray matter in the brain. Gitendra Uswatte, a co-author of the study, said that the treatment showed a remarkable improvement in the motor function of the affected limbs. The study used children from ages 2 – 7, who were administered the treatment over three weeks. The treatment itself requires the restraint of the unaffected limbs in a cast like device; the children are then instructed to use the affected limbs more. Sterling adds that this study shows the brains remarkable ability to heal itself. This is great news for people who suffer from disabilities that limit their body movement. Still, it is tragic that children have to grow up with a…
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Texan Twins with Cerebral Palsy See Staying Active as Key in Overcoming Their Disability

Josh and his twin sister Jade are freshmen at Hudson High School, and like many other teenagers their age they are involved in numerous extra-curricular activities. Recently, Jade has been spending most of her time after school practicing for upcoming cheerleading tryouts, and Josh helps manage the high school’s basketball team. In their free time, Jade likes to go horseback riding and Josh has started experimenting with music production. The Alexander twins have come a long way after being born 12 weeks prematurely, KTRE-TV reported. With Josh weighing only two pounds and seven ounces and his sister weighing in at a little over one pound at birth, doctors did not expect either of them to live past 16 weeks. Nevertheless, they are strong fighters, and seem to be able to push through anything with an energetic attitude to match. However, the premature birth was only the beginning of their medical…
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