Organic Brain Syndrome

Some medical conditions are the result not just of one cause, but are instead a set of symptoms that can be the result of a number of disorders. One of these conditions is organic brain syndrome (OBS): impairment of mental functions as a result of physical damage to the brain, rather than because of psychological disorders or as a natural result of aging.

There are a number of conditions that can cause OBS. Dependence on sedative hypnotic drugs can lead to brain damage and OBS, as can hypoxia (insufficient oxygen reaching the brain). Certain contagious diseases, like meningitis, can also lead to neurological damage and OBS. Alcohol is another major cause: alcoholics can develop OBS from excessive alcohol intake, but it can also be caused by alcohol withdrawal. It also commonly affects fetuses exposed to alcohol (fetal alcohol syndrome).

One of the most significant causes of OBS among the elderly is Alzheimer's disease, an incurable illness affecting the brain. It should be born in mind, however, that OBS is not a natural part of aging. The aging process inevitably includes some amount of mental deterioration, but OBS is a severe condition and is the result of diseases or other external factors.

Treating OBS is complicated because of the variety of conditions that can cause it: alcoholism cannot be treated the same way as meningitis or Alzheimer's disease. For this reason, treatment usually involves assessing and treating the root causes of the condition, and then using treatments specific to treat the root cause.

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If someone you love has been seriously debilitated by organic brain syndrome, and you believe caretaker negligence or medical malpractice may be to blame, you may be able to pursue damages for your loss. The compassionate Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. can help you seek justice. Contact us today at 312-466-8200 to discuss your case