California Neuropsychologist brings attention to dangers of head injuries

February 28, 2013

California Neuropsychologist brings attention to dangers of head injuries

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A California pediatric clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Catherine Broomand, was recently awarded for her work in educating health care systems throughout the Sacramento area on the complications tied to traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. According to experts with Mayo Clinic, these complications can include degenerative brain injuries.

Scientists and physicians are not the only one's spotlighting the long-term damage that can result from head injuries. Recently, Junior Seau's family filed suit against the National Football League (NFL) for damage that was present years after he received head injuries while playing professional football.

Junior Seau, a popular player with the San Diego Chargers, committed suicide in May of 2012. His family donated his brain for research after his death, and scientists found the player suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.

Details of Seau's battle with traumatic brain injuries

Seau's family argues the NFL was aware of the risk that Seau would receive concussions while playing professional football but led the player to believe he was safe.

CTE, the degenerative brain disease that Seau suffered from, is one of many associated with traumatic brain injuries like concussions. Additional degenerative brain diseases connected to TBIs include:
-Alzheimer's disease
-Parkinson's disease
-Dementia


Complications can also result in permanent nerve damage, difficulties with memory, sensory problems, seizures, communication problems and behavioral changes. Seau's family argues that Seau suffered from changes in behavior and mood. They contend that these changes were caused by his concussions and ultimately led to his suicide.

Seau's story is one of many within the NFL. Because of the prevalence of players developing brain disease in retirement, the NFL recently provided a $30 million grant to the National Institute of Health to study brain injuries. This grant is not limited to studying the impact of TBIs on NFL players. Instead, researchers with the NIH state the money will be used to study how these injuries impact victims regardless of how the injury was received.

Prominent California Neuropsychologist works for TBI awareness

Before long-term symptoms can be studied, a TBI must first be identified. This is one area that Dr. Broomand may be of assistance. In addition to receiving the prestigious award mentioned above, the Neuropsychologist was also recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC appointed Dr. Broomand to serve on the mild traumatic brain injury workgroup to develop guidelines for emergency room departments.

Emergency room departments see patients suffering from concussions and more severe forms of traumatic brain injuries. In addition to sporting injuries, these injuries can result from car accidents and falls.

Those who suffer from TBIs may receive compensation to cover the cost of medical and rehabilitative costs. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI due to another person's negligence, contact an experienced head injury attorney to discuss your unique situation and better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.