Can amino acids help children with traumatic brain injury?

Currently, the answer is a positive "maybe."  According to the Ivanhoe medical news website, researchers are hoping that amino acids will treat the brain damage from TBI (in children and adults) that affects cognitive functions.  The site reports that the "leading cause of death and disability in young children," traumatic brain injury, can negatively affect a child's memory, ability to learn, and other functions of the brain.  Currently, according to the site, there is no treatment available for the type of brain damage that results in such decline in brain functions.  Based on a study in which mice with brain injuries were fed amino acids, however, hope exists for the brain injury victim suffering from the above-described symptoms. 

Specifically, the mice were given three BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) in their drinking water.  As a result, the BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) contributed to the restoration of the mice's cognitive abilities.  Reports neuroscientist Dr. Akiva S. Cohen, "dietary intervention" can "improve cognitive performance" while restoring a "proper balance of neurochemicals" in the part of the brain that is injured, based on the results of the study.  Earlier studies conducted on humans give credibility to the recent report:  people with severe brain injuries who received BCAAs intravenously showed mild improvement.

As an advocate for injured and abused children who have suffered brain damage, Chris Keane narrows his legal focus to representing children and only children.  Such a narrow focus has given him the opportunity and experience of working with the best medical experts in the field of child brain injury.  If you have questions regarding pediatric traumatic brain injury or child head injuries in general, contact Chris Keane online or at 888-592-KIDS for free answers and advice unique to your specific situation.
Christopher Keane
Christopher Keane
Connect with me
California Child Abuse and Child Injury Lawyer