Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Have Long-Lasting Effects

January 17, 2013 (Press-News.org) Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Have Long-Lasting Effects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.7 million people in the United States suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year. In addition, TBIs are responsible for an estimated 52,000 early deaths and cost an estimated $52 billion to treat in the United States alone. Unfortunately, though physicians have long known that a TBI can cause short-term damage to a person's brain, new research indicates that the effects can last much longer than expected.

Study Results

According to a recent study conducted at the University of South Florida and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, TBIs can result in progressive brain deterioration. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, found that the initial trauma of a TBI is accompanied by cell inflammation and an impaired repair mechanism over time. The neuroinflammation may continue to cause secondary injuries for years after the initial injury, which in turn may mean that long-term TBI survivors are more likely to develop neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and dementia. Though further research is needed, it appears as if getting the right treatment early may alleviate the possibility of long term damage to the brain.

Common Symptoms of TBI

Those suffering from a TBI can experience a wide range of symptoms long after the initial injury. Brain injuries are complex and often lead to a variety of physical, psychological and cognitive difficulties that each require their own unique treatment plan. No matter whether a TBI is mild or severe, the symptoms can be the same. After sustaining an injury, it is not uncommon for people to suffer:
-Severe headaches
-Dizziness
-Lack of balance and coordination
-Changes in cognitive ability
-Significant changes in mood or behavior
-Depression

TBIs can be particularly pernicious because a person may look normal, but may be experiencing pain or cognitive difficulties that can disrupt or destroy his life.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another person, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the fair and adequate compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For more information about what a personal injury attorney can do for you, contact a lawyer today.

Article provided by Law Office of Reuben J. Donig
Visit us at http://www.doniglaw.com