Study: effects of traumatic brain injuries can persist for years

February 16, 2013

Study: effects of traumatic brain injuries can persist for years

Article provided by Browning Law
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a serious health problem nationwide. TBIs are caused by a bump or blow to the head or an injury that penetrates the skull resulting in the brain's inability to function normally. Each year, about 1.7 million people in the United States suffer a TBI, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Additionally, TBIs cost about $52 billion each year to treat and are responsible for about 52,000 early deaths.

Physicians have known for a long time that TBIs can cause short-term damage to a person's brain. However, a recent study suggests that the damage caused by TBIs can linger for much longer than previously thought.

Findings of study

According to a recent study by the University of South Florida and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, over time, TBIs can cause the brain to deteriorate. The study found that that TBIs cause deterioration by causing the brain to become excessively inflamed and preventing its cells from regenerating, eventually causing them to die.

The inflammation of the brain and suppressed cell regeneration can affect the brain for years after the TBI. If this persists for a long time, it puts the patient at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers point out that treatment, especially if administered soon after the injury, can help prevent brain cell death and lessen the likelihood of long-term damage.

TBI symptoms

TBIs can cause a wide range of cognitive, physical and psychological effects. Some of the symptoms may appear soon after the injury, while others may appear days or weeks later. Regardless of whether the TBI is mild or severe, a person may develop these symptoms soon after the injury:
-Loss of consciousness
-Mild or severe headaches
-Dizziness or loss of balance
-Inability to concentrate
-Changes in mood or behavior
-Nausea or vomiting
-Anxiety or depression

Common causes of TBIs are slip and falls, car accidents and high-impact sports injuries. TBIs are especially dangerous because the injured person may appear to be normal, but is actually in pain or has lost significant cognitive function. It is therefore important get head injuries, even seemingly minor ones, checked out as soon as possible after the injury.

Consult an attorney

TBIs can appear as a result of negligent behavior, such as a fall caused by a person's failure to remove snow and ice on a sidewalk or a car accident caused by someone texting while behind the wheel. If you have been injured because of someone's negligence, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can assist you in collecting compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages that is due to you under the law.