Traumatic Brain Injury Treatments
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) robs a victim of more than memory, it changes the way they think and interacts emotionally and psychologically with others. When this happens, doctors and researchers strive to return the brain to its previous capacity. In Athens, Georgia, a research team has developed a substance that can be used to help restore a TBI damaged brain.
What Is It?
The substance, called Brain Glue, is a hydrogel matrix capable of being used as a support for cells native to the brain called neural stem cells. Since neural stem cells are not yet specialized, they are capable of rebuilding the brain cells destroyed in a traumatic brain injury. In addition, the Brain Glue can be fashioned to fit any area where their scaffolding support is needed. This allows doctors to fashion a Brain Glue matrix of any size, anywhere within the brain.
Researcher Leads the Way
Brain Glue was developed by a team led by Lohitash Karumbaiah, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia. The glue is a step forward from other hydrogels in that it is better at trapping stem cells, helping them work together in brain repair and preventing rejection. Karumbaiah stressed that Brain Glue is capable of filling the void left by the therapeutic removal of dead tissue in the brain and replacing it with this UV-exposed hydrogel mix impregnated with stem cells and protective elements to help foster the growth of new cells.
This avant-garde approach to healing brain injury was described in a prestigious journal and has won mention by the International Brain Injury Association. It is being tested and developed for commercial use. The assistant professor has won a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
How Does Brain Injury Happen
The most common cause of TBI is a blow to the head. The result can lead to mild symptoms such as a limited dysfunctional state or severe dysfunction. Symptoms reflect the degree of damage, according to ASHA.org.
Mild TBI Symptoms:
- Headache
- Limited loss of consciousness
- Dazed or confused state
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Problems sleeping
- Problems staying awake
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
Sensory Issues With TBI
There are sensory problems associated with TBI. They are:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to sound
- Light sensitivity
- Tinnitus
- Problems with smell
Cognitive Difficulties
In addition, TBI is associated with mild to severe cognitive problems such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, moodiness, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating.
More intense TBI exacerbates all symptoms and may present with increased nausea and vomiting, seizures or convulsions, pupil dilatation, fluid drainage from the ears or nose, inability to wake up, weakness in digits and complete lack of coordination. In addition, cognitive function may change drastically with a speech that is slurred, agitation, and/or coma.
Severe Symptoms Associated with TBI
There are several ways the consciousness of a TBI victim can be altered:
- Coma: This altered state of consciousness is a product of damage to multiple brain areas. An individual may come out of the coma or go into a vegetative state.
- Minimal Conscious State: This is a state of passage from a vegetative state to an improved level of consciousness.
- Locked-in Syndrome: In this state, the individual knows their environment but cannot respond verbally and may use eye blinking to communicate.
Auburn Brain Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn brain injury lawyer. Traumatic brain injury can be difficult to overcome, yet researchers are finding ways to help those afflicted with TBI. If a loved one has been injured or you have suffered a traumatic brain injury due to negligence by another person, please call me at (530) 392-9400. If you live outside the area, my toll-free number is (800) 404-5400. I will offer you my friendly and free advice.
For 35 years, Californians, including those in Auburn, have relied on me and my legal team to protect their rights and obtain just compensation for their traumatic injury and wrongful death claims.
A profile of some of my previous cases and the way I resolved the cases are found on my Verdicts and Settlements page. Client and peer reviews and comments are located on Google, Yelp, and Avvo.
Million Dollar Advocates Forum only admits the top 1 percent of lawyers who have won verdicts and/or settlements of $1 million or more for their clients. I am proud to be a California member.
To read essential information on many types of personal injuries, please look around my website, autoaccident.com, which I founded and own.
Photo Attribution: Wikimedia Commons Brain_trauma_CT.jp
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