The brain is a fascinating structure, the complexities of which science continues to explore. “The boss of the body,” it’s the control center for thinking, emotions, perception, learning, language, remembering, and more. Damage to this essential organ can result in an assortment of physical and psychological problems. When a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts the brain’s functions, it is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a “traumatic brain injury” (TBI).  What you might be wondering, however, is can a TBI cause dementia?

What is a TBI?

Ranging from mild to severe, TBIs commonly arise from vehicle accidents, slip and fall accident injuries, assaults, and sports.  A TBI will usually occur when there is a violent and sudden blow to the head.  While some TBIs can be mild, serious injuries to the brain can result in long-term damage, including possible dementia.

Symptoms of a TBI are not as evident as broken bones or dislocations. They can involve vague issues such as confusion, headache, blurred vision, or slurred speech. Important to diagnose, there is increasing evidence that brain injuries can lead to degenerative brain disease later in life.

Traumatic brain injuries can have long-term effects and can cause permanent disabilities, like dementia.  Some of the more common long-term effects of TBI are:

  • Cognitive impairment – This includes memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
  • Physical disabilities – This includes headaches, problems with coordination, and issues with balance.
  • Sleep disorders – Insomnia is one long-term effect of TBI.
  • Emotional changes – This can include anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
  • Sensory issues – This can include vision or hearing issues.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

There are different types of TBIs with different symptoms for each.  Some of the more common TBIs are:

  • Concussions – Concussions are sometimes considered a mild traumatic brain injury, but the effects of a concussion can be long-lasting.  Concussions are usually caused by blunt  trauma to the head and occur when the brain comes into contact with the inside of the skull.  Symptoms of concussions include dizziness, headaches, changes in mood, and difficulty sleeping.
  • Subdural hematomas – A subdural hematoma is a blood clot which occurs between the skull and the brain.  A subdural hematoma can lead to brain damage.
  • Skull Fracture – Skull fractures, or breaks in the bone, can lead to a traumatic brain injury and are extremely dangerous.

Recent Study on TBI and Dementia

According to a recent study by UC San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Health Care System, 13% of older people are diagnosed with TBI.  The study also found that white females who are healthier and wealthier are associated with a higher risk of TBI.  In addition, the study goes on to say that TBI can increase the likelihood of suffering from conditions including Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Other Studies on TBI and Dementia

A study conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore has discovered a possible link between brain injury and dementia. Researchers there determined that microparticles found in the spinal fluid of people who have suffered a TBI are secreted by microglia in response to brain injury. Making up about 10 percent of the brain’s cells, microglia are activated immune cells whose many functions include locating injured neurons and stripping away the connection between them.

The microparticles appear to spread inflammation beyond the injury site and are also capable of activating microglia that are at rest, suggesting that once present, they could trigger further inflammation by themselves. Inflammation occurs at a cellular level and is the immune system’s response to infection, irritation, or damage. It has been linked to the degeneration of nerve cells that play a part in dementia – a condition for which there currently is no cure.

However, there is some hope. One of the study’s co-authors has already invented an agent called PEG-TB that might work against the microparticles. PEG-TB stops the microparticles’ ability to trigger inflammation by causing them to break apart. As noted by co-author Alan Faden, “it shows that in principle, the concept of neutralizing them could be effective.”

This study serves as a stark reminder that recovery from a TBI is a difficult, emotionally draining process that may never see the victim return to who they were before the injury. The long-term effects of TBIs make it crucial that those who suffer them due to another’s reckless or careless behavior enforce their legal rights.

If you have any questions about this topic, or believe that someone else’s negligence caused you or a family member to suffer a TBI, contact the Middle GA dementia attorneys of the Mann Law Firm. We have over 50 years of experience helping people, and we can help you. Based in Macon, we have been the trusted advocates for countless victims and their families throughout Georgia. For advice on how to proceed next, please call us at (478) 742-3381 or fill out our contact form today to schedule your initial consultation.

Attorney David Mann

Attorney David MannBefore leading his own firm, Mann served for several years as in-house defense counsel for a large insurance company, which gives him unique insight into how insurance companies work. He uses this critical knowledge as an advantage for his clients. He is a tough negotiator and litigator, and he is exceptionally strategic in building cases on behalf of personal injury victims.[ Attorney Bio ]

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