Each year, 2.8 million Americans, 30,000 of which are children, sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can cause debilitating health conditions for the rest of someone’s life. Even so, a steady stream of research being released on TBIs indicates a promising future for better medical preventative and intervention techniques.
On Jan. 30, a study published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry revealed that mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), such as concussions, may be linked to a higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression after the injury occurs.
The study examined 1,155 patients in the United States with mTBIs alongside a control group of 230 patients with non-head injuries. Each patient was assessed immediately, two weeks, three months, six months, and one year after sustaining their injury. One in five who suffered from an mTBI reported symptoms of depression or PTSD three months after the injury occurred, while less than one in 10 patients in the control group reported similar symptoms.
Scientists also used the collected data to identify other factors that indicate a heightened risk of PTSD or depression after a mTBI:
- Pre-existing or history of mental health issues
- Low level of education
- Being black/African American
- Violent cause of the brain injury, such as assault or domestic abuse
The information gained from this research will allow medical professionals to identify potential risk factors for depression and PTSD in TBI patients, making medical treatment more personalized to each individual.
Traumatic brain injuries are frequently a result of falling, being hit against an object, car crashes, and work-related accidents. In addition to depression and PTSD, headaches, seizures, and permanent brain damage can occur. It is unacceptable for so many patients to be struggling with long-term physical and emotional complications caused by a TBI that was not their fault.
Our law firm of Paulson & Nace might be able to help you or a loved one who is suffering from TBI complications after a work injury, negligent driver, slip-and-fall that resulted in a TBI. If you or a loved is suffering due to complications caused by a TBI, please give us a call at 202-930-0292 or fill out our contact form online to schedule a no-obligation appointment.
@thumbnail.jpg "Christopher T. Nace")
Both an Emory School of Law graduate and MBA graduate of Goizueta Business School at Emory, Chris Nace focuses his practice on areas of medical malpractice, drug and product liability, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, employment discrimination and other negligence and personal injury matters.
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