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Organic brain syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

OBS; Organic mental disorder (OMS); Chronic organic brain syndrome

Treatment:

Treatment varies with the specific disorder. Many of the disorders have nonspecific treatments -- primarily supportive care to assist the person in areas where brain function is lost.

Medications may be needed to reduce aggressive behaviors typical of some of the conditions in this category.

Expectations (prognosis):

See the specific disorder. Some disorders are acute and treatable, but many are chronic or progressive.

Complications:

Loss of ability to interact with others or function independently is common.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• Organic brain syndrome has been diagnosed and you are uncertain of the actual, specific diagnosis
• You have symptoms which suggest this problem
• You have been diagnosed with OBS and symptoms become worse

• Review Date: 9/7/2006
• Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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