Better to Be Safe Than Sorry: What to Know After a Brain Injury | Part one

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating traumatic brain injuries. The initial hours following the injury are vital for evaluating the damage and beginning treatment to prevent further harm. During this window, healthcare professionals can conduct diagnostic tests, like CT scans or MRIs, to assess the severity of the injury and detect any internal bleeding or swelling. Prompt intervention can greatly enhance the chances of recovery and minimize the risk of long-term complications.

Risks of Delayed Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Postponing medical treatment for a traumatic brain injury can result in numerous complications. Without timely intervention, brain swelling may worsen and potentially cause additional damage to brain tissue, leading to more severe cognitive and physical impairments. Furthermore, untreated brain injuries can contribute to the development of chronic conditions like post-concussion syndrome, which may cause ongoing headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties that persist for months or even years after the initial trauma.

Rehabilitation and Long-Term Recovery

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury often requires an extended period of rehabilitation. Depending on the injury's severity, this process may involve physical therapy to enhance mobility and strength, occupational therapy to assist with daily tasks, and speech therapy to improve communication challenges. Cognitive rehabilitation is also essential, focusing on enhancing memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. This comprehensive approach aims to restore as much function as possible and support the individual in regaining independence. It is important to understand that recovery is usually a gradual process, with progress that may be slow. Patience and persistence are crucial for both the individual and their family and caregivers. Ongoing support and follow-up care are also vital in managing lingering symptoms and addressing new challenges that emerge during recovery. 

Dementia May Be a Risk to Head Injury Victims

Many head injuries can be caused by a host of different situations – from car and motorcycle accidents to sports injuries. Experts have increasingly recognized that the effects from head injuries may be long-lasting. New research led by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania shows that a single head injury could lead to dementia later in life.

Researchers, whose findings were published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, examined the link between head injuries and dementia over a 25-year period in a diverse U.S. population. Until this study, most data on traumatic brain injury have been drawn from limited groups, such as military personnel and medical claims databases. This study is among the first to explore the risk of dementia following head injuries in a community-based setting across various demographics. 

"Head injury is a significant risk factor for dementia, but it’s one that can be prevented. Our findings show that the number of head injuries matters—more head injuries are associated with a greater risk of dementia," said lead investigator Andrea L.C. Schneider, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of Neurology at Penn. "The dose-dependence of this association suggests that preventing head injuries could reduce some risk of dementia later in life. While head injury is not the only risk factor for dementia, it is one that can be modified through behavioral changes like wearing helmets and seat belts." 

The study found that, compared to participants who never had a head injury, a single prior head injury was linked to a 1.25 times higher risk of developing dementia, while two or more head injuries more than doubled the risk. Overall, 9.5% of all dementia cases in the study population could be attributed to at least one prior head injury.

“Given the strong association of head injury with dementia, there is an important need for future research focused on prevention and intervention strategies aimed at reducing dementia after head injury,” Schneider said. “The results of this study have already led to several ongoing research projects, including efforts to uncover the causes of head injury-related dementia as well as investigations into reasons underlying the observed sex and race differences in the risk of dementia associated with head injury.”

The Role Of Boland Romaine in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

At Boland Romaine, we understand the life changing impact that a brain injury can have. We have extensive experience in handling traumatic brain injury cases. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal support for those who have suffered such injuries. 

Our goal is to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other related expenses. We work diligently to build a strong case and advocate for our clients’ rights, providing the support and guidance needed during this challenging time