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Question
I'm convinced that my twin brothers craniotomy at age two resulted in his bipolar disorder. Is that possibly?
I would tend to doubt it. Have you asked any neurosurgeons? You would first need to what parts of the brain were manipulated and/or removed in order to pose the question. If you know the name of the exact surgical procedure [since craniotomy only means having gone into the brain w/ an instrument] OR the name of the illness or condition that necessitated the craniotomy, try googling either of those specific terms with Bipolar.
More is known every day about the brain itself and about causation in mental illnesses, thanks to microbiology, imaging, and other means not used formerly. So, anyone saying today, No, couldn't possibly have happened, is only working with today's information. Keep asking your question every 5 yrs or so.
Does any part of this question have to do w/ worries about your own risk of bipolar disorder? Just wondering.
Write again if I can help/
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Answers by Expert:
Libby Bonner
Expertise
I can answers questions from family members of adult patients with serious mental illnesses. I am most familiar with bipolar disorder [manic-depression] and schizophrenia. I use principles of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill to provide clinical info, emotional support, and practical suggestions, including finances/insurance. Emphasis is on family health; family preservation and functioning; coping skills; and effective communications with patients [consumers] and with providers of services. I am not qualified to help families with patients under 18 I cannot answer questions about herbal remedies.
Experience
I have a daughter w/ bipolar illness. Have experience with clinical medicine/psychiatry through my work in a hospital library. I have taken and now monitor the NAMI Family to Family educational program and I facilitate NAMI family caring and sharing evenings.
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