Head Injuries May Lead To Serious Brain Diseases
Scientists from UCLA have found that head injuries can increase the risk of developing certain disorders including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, depression, and schizophrenia. The research has been published by EBioMedicine.
Researchers used rats to identify what they call master genes. When altered by a head injury, these master genes can trigger changes in other genes leading to a variety of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Further research could shed more light on how head injuries impact victims in ways never imagined. It can also lead to potential treatments for head injuries and other disorders.
Head Injuries in An Accident
Head injuries are common in several personal injury accidents. Car accidents and falls are two of the most common causes of head injuries. Unfortunately, some accident victims discount their injuries and return to work far too soon. Some individuals don’t even see a doctor after an accident unless they sustained outward signs of trauma.
However, a closed head injury can be extremely dangerous. With the new research discussed above, an accident victim could suffer far more than a simple concussion.
A closed head injury occurs when the head strikes an object. For example, in a car crash, the driver’s head may hit the steering wheel, window, or headrest causing a closed head injury. The brain “bounces” around within the skull because of the force of the blow. Each time the brain strikes the skull, damage can occur at that location. Therefore, a closed head injury can result in multiple areas of the brain being damaged. A victim may not immediately notice symptoms, and without an outward sign of injury, the person may not bother to see a doctor.
Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the Mayo Clinic, a traumatic brain injury can result in a wide range of psychological and physical effects. Some symptoms may appear immediately while other symptoms can take days or weeks to develop. If you are in any accident and develop systems of TBI, you should see a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of a brain injury include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness or difficulty sleeping
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Headaches
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Mood changes, depression, anxiousness, or mood swings
- Concentration or memory problems
For a complete list of symptoms and a more detailed discussion of brain injuries, see the information provided by the Mayo Clinic on its website.
Recovering Compensation for Head Injuries
If you sustain a head injury in a slip and fall, car accident, or bicycle accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses, injuries, and damages. In addition to receiving reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages, you may receive compensation for your physical pain and emotional stress. In cases of permanent damage, you may also receive compensation for future medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
The first step is to contact an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation. You have a limited time to file a claim under California law. If you don’t act quickly, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover compensation from the at-fault party.
Call the Fresno personal injury attorneys of Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 or use the contact form on our website. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to accident victims and their families in the Fresno and Central California Valley area.
Categories: