Posted by SLS on November 20, 2000, at 21:07:39
In reply to Re: Low Blood Flow/Ritalin Query., posted by anita on November 20, 2000, at 17:45:54
A question:
In the absence of vascular disease, does reduced blood flow produce reduced function or does reduced function produce reduced blood flow? Has this question been adequately addressed?
When the NIMH first began to publish these observations, I was dubious about their interpretations. Perhaps reduced glucose utilization (reduced neuronal activity) as demonstrated through PET scans is correlated with reduced blood flow regionally. I would like to know which comes first, or at least, how reduced blood flow would produce symptoms other than dementia.
- Scott
> Hi Jah,
>
> Reduced blood flow in the brain is a very general observation. _Where_ the blood flow is low is more significant, although science hasn't gotten to the point where one can say exactly what it means, tho theories have been put forth. Jay Goldstein in his book _Betrayal by the Brain_ talks about it in relation to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but it is really difficult to understand fully.
>
> Whether or not you have ADD, Ritalin and other stimulants can definately be helpful for brain fog, and even depression. If you haven't tried stimulants before, I'd push for the Ritalin. Have you ever tried Wellbutrin? That could be a second choice.
>
> You could look up studies on Medline on Ritalin and depression and print them out for your doc. Good luck!
>
> anita
>
>
> > Quite recently a TRD specialist sent me for an ECG, the results of which, she said, were indicative of areas of low blood flow in the brain. Unfortunately I had to sack her before she could expand upon this. No-one since has shown any interest in this insight, surprising since I have tried over 20 meds w/o success & am currently extremely depressed.
> >
> > As I understand it, stimulants can be effective in correcting poor blood flow. I have requested a Ritalin trial from 3 pdocs w/o success. Stimulants are frowned upon here in the UK & ADD is not generally recognised as a condition.(I am coming 2 the conclusion that I am ADD. Despite supreme success in exams etc, I have always had difficulty focussing/holding attention. These days I have great difficulty processing information; reading a book has become an impossibility. What do others think? Is ADD akin to having brain fog?)
> >
> > What I'd appreciate is informed responses to my thoughts on the appropriateness of stimulants, as well as any convincing success stories. Clever/good ones will be presented to my pdoc this Thurs. He will take some convincing.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Jah.
poster:SLS
thread:49076
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001115/msgs/49154.html