Traumatic Brain Injury Can Cause Blood Flow Change
If an individual is involved in a traumatic accident, he or she could sustain a traumatic brain injury, which is defined as any temporary or permanent change in the function of the brain. This could occur if people strike their head on the pavement, window, or dashboard. Unlike other injuries, the neurons of the brain often do not heal following a severe accident. This means that complications that individuals suffer after an accident could be permanent. One of the tools that doctors might use to diagnose a TBI involves imaging. Some of the changes that an imaging scan could pick up include:
- Skull fractures that are associated with the injury
- Bruising on the brain tissue
- The development of a brain bleed such as an epidural hematoma or a subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Shifting in the lobes of the brain.
- Possible changes in the flow of blood throughout the brain
Changes in the blood flow throughout the brain are often overlooked; however, this could have significant consequences for the function of the brain. A research study was published that looked at how changes in the blood flow through the brain impacted an individual’s recovery.
The Design of the Research Study
In a research study that was published in Clinical Nuclear Medicine, a group of researchers used an imaging modality called SPECT to measure the perfusion of the brain tissue after a serious accident. The perfusion levels refer to the amount of blood flow throughout the brain.
To measure the blood flow throughout the various regions of the brain, the researchers used a molecule called Technetium which shows up well on imaging scans. The more Technetium is seen on the scan, the more blood is flowing through that area.
The researchers imaged 228 individuals who had suffered a traumatic brain injury in a serious accident. Their ages ranged from 11 to 88. The goal was to see how blood flow had changed throughout the brain. Perhaps the changes in blood flow correlate with the individual’s symptoms.
The Results: Decreased Blood Flow
The mechanisms of the TBIs in these individuals were as follows:
- Motor vehicle collisions were responsible for 45 percent of the injuries
- A direct blow to the head was responsible for 36 percent of the injuries
- Falls caused 19 percent of the TBIs
The symptoms that were reported by the individuals in the study were:
- Chronic headache was reported by 60 percent of the individuals
- Memory issues were listed as an issue in 28 percent of the patients
- About 27 percent of the patients complained of dizziness
- Close to 9 percent reported sleep problems
The imaging procedures showed that 77 percent of the individuals had changes in the flow of blood throughout their brain.
Furthermore, in the 228 individuals, more than 600 visible changes in the brain were seen. The changes were observed throughout the brain including the frontal lobes, the temporal lobes, the parietal lobes, and the occipital lobes. The results from this research study show that changes in the blood flow through these lobes could contribute to significant quality of life problems following a TBI.
Recovery Following a TBI
The changes in the blood flow throughout the brain following a severe injury likely contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. It makes sense that blood flow is an integral part of the recovery process following a TBI. Because of this, the treatment should also be well-rounded and comprehensive. This consists of:
- Emergency treatment to make sure that any acute damage to the brain following an accident is minimized.
- The assistance of specialists who can help guide the use of medications to treat any changes in the brain after a TBI.
- Help from physical and occupational therapists who can help an individual regain as much of their baseline level of function as possible.
- Counseling from mental health professionals who can identify and treat emotional difficulties.
Watch YouTube Video: 7 Ways to Increase Brain Blood Flow. This animated video provides seven ways to help increase blood flow to your brain.
Contacting a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Individuals who suffer a traumatic brain injury often face a prolonged recovery. This can create a significant amount of stress for not only the individual but also his or her family and friends. Because of this, families need to ask for help from trained professionals. For example, an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney in San Francisco can assist families with their recovery. Some of the resources that an attorney could provide include:
- Supporting families in making objective decisions during an emotionally challenging time.
- Reviewing the records from the accident to make sure that none of the crucial details have been overlooked.
- Helping individuals pursue damages that are related to the accident, the traumatic brain injury, and any of its complications.
- Shifting a case to the courtroom when necessary.
Most importantly, individuals and their loved ones should know that they do not have to face this difficult situation alone. A compassionate San Francisco traumatic brain injury attorney can provide key assistance. You and your family could be owed a significant financial award.
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Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers in San Francisco
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