(Newswire.net — March 16, 2020) —
There are numerous ways in which someone might suffer a brain injury. Some of the most common causes involve slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and competitive sports. While severe brain injuries have been known to leave people with long-term functional deficits, a recently published research article shows that even mild brain injuries can lead to serious complications.
In a study that was published in Jama Neurology, mild traumatic brain injuries were shown to impair someone’s daily activities at a higher rate than other injuries. In the study, more than 1,400 patients were studied in total. Two weeks after their injuries, patients with mild brain injuries showed a similar rate of complications when compared to those who had not suffered brain injuries; however, one year after the injury, more than half of individuals who had been diagnosed with a mild brain injury still had functional deficits. Around a third of patients who had not suffered a brain injury still had functional issues. This shows that mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term functional impairment.
According to The May Firm, “brain injuries result in far more than hospital bills and stress. There is confusion, sleepless nights, and an uncertain neurological recovery treatment plan.” It is easy to see how brain injuries can leave families looking for answers. While some people might think that the term “mild brain injury” means “minor,” this is not the case. Even people who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to serious complications. For example, patients with mild traumatic brain injuries can develop mental health issues. Some of the most common mental health issues include depression, anxiety, and even bipolar disorder. If someone suffers from these mental health issues, this can impact both personal and professional relationships.
Furthermore, mild traumatic brain injuries can even lead to motor and sensory issues. For example, some people might suffer from numbness and tingling in certain locations of the body. Other people might even develop chronic pain. For this reason, it is critical for everyone to seek medical care as quickly as possible.
Right now, research is still ongoing in the area of brain injuries. Over time, new diagnostic and treatment options might be uncovered for those who have suffered brain injuries. In the meantime, the nervous system does not regenerate in the same manner as other organs that suffer damage. For this reason, brain injuries can be particularly severe. It is important for everyone who suffers a head injury to know that they do not have to face this situation alone.