EC Pharmacology And Toxicology

This case study explores the relationship between neonatal hypoxia and giftedness in a 59-year-old patient identified as Maria. Despite experiencing a brief oxygen deprivation at birth, Maria displayed exceptionally high cognitive abilities, evidenced by an IQ of 141. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of variants associated with brain development, such as those in the BDNF, COMT, ASTN2, and CDH8 genes, which influence synaptic plasticity and neuronal migration. However, these genetic predispositions alone do not fully explain Maria's high cognitive performance, suggesting the action of compensatory mechanisms and the significant influence of an enriching environment. Furthermore, the recent diagnosis of ADD raises questions about how these compensatory mechanisms operate and what limitations they may have. The study discusses the importance of integrating IQ test results with genetic and environmental factors to better understand the complex interaction between neonatal hypoxia, giftedness, and ADD.

 Keywords: Neonatal Hypoxia; Giftedness; Genetic Analysis; Brain Plasticity; ADD

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