Damage caused by TBI can linger for years

March 13, 2013 (Press-News.org) Damage caused by TBI can linger for years

Article provided by The Hirsch Law Firm, PLLC
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common problem across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.7 million Americans suffer a TBI each year. The medical community has long known about the short-term brain damage that TBIs can cause. However, a recent study suggests that the brain injury caused by TBIs can last much longer than previously thought.

Researchers at the University of South Florida and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital conducted the study. The researchers found that TBIs cause inflammation of the brain cells, impairing its ability to repair itself. Over time, this can cause the brain to deteriorate.

The inflammation caused by the TBI can plague the brain for years after the injury, causing other injuries to develop. As a result, researchers found that long-term TBI sufferers are more likely to develop diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The study's researchers hypothesized that treatment, administered within hours of the injury, could reduce the inflammation and thereby decrease the risk of long-term brain damage.

Symptoms and causes of TBIs

Regardless of whether the TBI is mild or severe, people who have experienced a TBI can exhibit a broad range of physical, psychological and cognitive symptoms. The symptoms may manifest themselves immediately or several weeks after the injury. The most common symptoms of TBI are:
-Unconsciousness
-Mild or severe headaches
-Dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance
-Difficulty focusing or concentrating
-Nausea
-Changes in mood, anxiety or depression

People who have recently suffered TBIs may appear normal, but in reality, may have lost cognitive abilities or suffered injuries that are not immediately present. It is important even for those who have suffered a seemingly minor head injury to get immediate medical help to minimize further damage.

TBIs can be caused by a wide variety of accidents such as sports injuries or motor vehicle accidents. One of the major causes is a slip-and-fall. Statistics say slip-and-falls are responsible for up to 35 percent of brain injuries--second only to car accidents. A variety of circumstances can cause these accidents--everything from slippery floors, improper building design or hidden hazards.

Consult an attorney

In Michigan, property owners have a duty to maintain their property and remove all hazards (e.g. ice, snow, uneven surfaces) that put those on the property at an unreasonable risk of harm. Under the law, owners who fail to do this can be held liable for any injuries that occur on the property.

If you have suffered a brain injury (or have otherwise been injured) because of a dangerous property condition, you may be entitled to recover damages for lost wages, medical bills or nursing care. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn of your right to compensation.