Olney's lesions

Olney's Lesions

Olney's lesions (pronounced: /ˈoʊlniːz ˈlɛʒənz/) are a type of brain damage that primarily affects the hippocampus and other regions of the brain. They are named after the American psychiatrist and neuropathologist John Olney, who first described the condition in 1989.

Etymology

The term "Olney's lesions" is derived from the name of John Olney, who discovered the condition. The word "lesion" comes from the Latin laesio, meaning "injury".

Definition

Olney's lesions are a specific type of brain damage that occurs in the hippocampus and other areas of the brain. They are characterized by the death of neurons and the presence of vacuoles in the brain tissue. The lesions are often associated with the use of certain drugs, particularly dissociative drugs such as ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Olney's lesions can vary depending on the severity and location of the damage. They may include memory loss, cognitive impairment, and changes in personality or behavior. In severe cases, the condition can lead to dementia or other serious neurological disorders.

Causes

The exact cause of Olney's lesions is not fully understood. However, they are often associated with the use of certain dissociative drugs, particularly ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP). These drugs are thought to cause the lesions by overstimulating the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor in the brain.

Treatment

There is currently no specific treatment for Olney's lesions. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further damage. This may involve medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Related Terms

• Dissociative drugs
• Hippocampus
• NMDA receptor
• Neurotoxicity
• John Olney

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Olney's lesions
• Wikipedia's article - Olney's lesions

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