A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have serious and lasting consequences. For victims, damage can be substantial, resulting in memory loss, personality disorders, mood swings, and lost brain function. In addition to the immediate physical consequences, new studies have linked brain injuries to strokes. According to research, victims of TBI could face the additional risk of stroke long after the accident.
Brain injuries are often caused by falls, sports, car accidents, and other trauma. Our West Palm Beach brain injury attorneys are experienced in protecting the rights of our clients and in helping families recover adequate compensation to cover medical expenses for long-term care, as well as other damages in the wake of debilitating injury.
New research indicates that victims of TBI risk not only the immediate consequences of a brain injury, but could also risk stroke in their later years. In a study published in the America Academy of Neurology, TBI and stroke were named the leading cause of severe disability in adults. Researchers are seeking to identify factors that may contribute to stroke so that doctors can take preventative measures against stroke and brain damage.
By looking at data collected over the course of 5 years, doctors assessed the medical records of 400,000 patients who suffered from TBI compared with 700,000 patients who did not suffer a brain injury. The findings indicated that patients who suffered from TBI were more likely to suffer from a stroke. Though the majority of strokes afflicted patients over the age of 65, even younger patients are at risk.
Diagnosis and treatment of brain injury can be complicated. Doctors suggest that the relationship between stroke and TBI may have something to do with injury, swelling and the lack of blood flow. Even after adjusting for age, cholesterol and other high risk factors, doctors found that those who suffered TBI were more likely to suffer a stroke.
Both victims of injury and stroke will often face a long recovery. In many cases, the victims will never fully recover from brain trauma or stroke. For families, this often means permanent and long-term care which can quickly be financially ruinous. A victim of a brain injury will require coverage for medical costs, treatment and additional financial support for lost wages. Before settling any legal claim involving brain injury, it is important to consult with an experienced advocate who can properly value your claim and help you get the compensation to which you are entitled.
Brain injuries are not always easy to identify and can take weeks, months, or sometimes years to present. Victims of head trauma should seek medical attention as soon as possible. An experienced medical practitioner can help to identify a brain injury and explore available treatment options. Victims of brain injury who suffered because of an accident may also be able to recover compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages and other financial losses.
If you or a family member has been injured, call Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez— 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
Car Accidents and Teenage Fatalities on the Rise in Florida, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, April 30, 2013
Unrested Drivers Causing Car Accidents in Deerfield Beach and Elsewhere Despite New Technology, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, March 20, 2012