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Lithium

  Lithium FAQ 01 What are the indications for lithium? We use lithium in the prophylaxis and treatment of mania, prophylaxis of bipolar disorder, as an augmentation strategy for patients with treatment -resistant depression. What are the common signs of lithium toxicity? Thirst, polyuria, memory problems, tremor, weight gain, tiredness, diarrhea. Cognitive dysfunction is the most common symptom that leads to non-compliance. Side effects are dose-related. What is the concentration at which toxic effects reliably occur? Toxic effects reliably occur at 1.5mmol/l but toxic effects can occur at MUCH LOWER LEVELS in many patients, especially in older patients, systemically ill patients, and in use of alcohol or other CNS active meds What are the two systems lithium causes the most damage to? Thyroid and kidneys What are the differences between the brands of lithium? There are differences in bioavailability, and recommendations are to keep to the patient on the same brand. If it is necess

Electroencephalography (EEG) Interpretation of Waves, including Sleep Waves, Effects of Medications and Neurological Conditions

Electroencephalography (EEG) Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive electrophysiological method to measure the electrical activity of the brain. We can compare it with echocardiography of the heart that measures the electrical activity of the heart. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current within the neurons of the brain. Clinically, it refers to the recording of the brain's spontaneous electrical activity over a period, as recorded from multiple electrodes placed on the scalp. Diagnostic features Event-related potentials: These investigate potential fluctuations time-locked to an event, such as 'stimulus onset' or 'button press'. Spectral content: This analyses the type of neural oscillations (popularly called "brain waves") that can be observed in EEG signals in the frequency domain.   Uses Most often we use EEG to diagnose epilepsy. It is also used to diagnose 1.        Sleep disorders 2.       Depth o