More than a million people are diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries every year. This is a staggering number, especially considering the extent of damage that can be caused by such an injury. TBI can impair motor skills and dampen cognitive abilities for a significant period of time, in many cases for the rest of the sufferer’s life. As if that isn’t enough, a new study has shown that women who suffer TBI may be at an increased risk of developing mental health issues.
The study, which sought to assess those who suffered TBI via blast injuries, most often suffered by those in the military, found that female mice that were exposed to blast injuries produced greater levels of a hormone that is released when stress is elevated. The dysregulation suffered in wounded female mice could directly affect how the brain deals with anxiety and fear. This, in turn, could lead to the development of disorders that seriously impact a sufferer’s life.
It is hoped that this new research will allow scientists to find ways to limit these effects. However, the treatment options available to those suffering from TBI and related mental health conditions is limited and costly. Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to missed work can leave a victim not only worried about how to limit these effects, but also how to ensure that they can maintain the financial stability they need.
This is why those who have suffered brain injuries caused by the negligence of another need to know their legal rights and how best to act on them. After all, pursuing a successful personal injury lawsuit could lead to the recovery of compensation. This could be critical, as medical advances could lead to groundbreaking, yet costly, treatments that can revolutionize a brain injury victim’s recovery.
Source: Science Daily, “Traumatic brain injuries leave women prone to mental health problems,” April 3, 2017
