Rapid cycling bipolar disorder after left temporal polar damage

Brain Inj. 2003 Apr;17(4):355-8. doi: 10.1080/0269905031000070170.

Abstract

The case of a 48-year-old woman with rapid cycling bipolar disorder subsequent to a traumatic brain injury is reported. Both depressive and manic episodes had an average duration of approximately 1 month, alternating without stable euthymic periods. Neuroradiological examinations revealed a circumscribed lesion in the left temporal pole. After 1 year without treatment, psychiatric intervention and pharmacotherapy was initiated. Her mood swings were successfully treated with the co-administration of valproate and lithium. Case reports of rapid cycling bipolar disorder after traumatic brain injury are very rare and this case supports the idea that temporal polar dysfunction is a candidate for the neurobiological basis of rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Bipolar Disorder / etiology*
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Temporal Lobe / injuries