Identifying Leaking Blood Vessels Brain Injuries
Numerous complications can develop following a blow to the head. One of the most severe is a brain bleed. Some bleeds are massive and can be caught easily on a CT scan. On the other hand, there are also smaller, leaking blood vessels that might be overlooked on the first pass. Patients, doctors, and families need to understand the dangers that these leaking blood vessels can pose. Identifying these bleeds and treating them appropriately can make a tremendous difference in someone’s prognosis following a head injury.
The Current Thoughts on Brain Injuries
Head trauma can lead to severe damage to multiple brain tissues. Most of the attention has been paid to the neurons that form critical networks inside the brain. Neurons carry signals from the brain to the body, helping to coordinate movements into purposeful actions. Neurons also send information regarding pressure, pain, and temperature back to the brain for processing.
When neurons are damaged in a traumatic brain injury, permanent complications can result. Unlike other parts of the body, the neurons do not recover in the same way. Therefore, doctors and researchers have been focusing on potential treatments that can preserve neuronal function. While neurons are no less important, a recent research paper indicates that more attention should be on the blood vessels of the brain. These blood vessels play a tremendous role in the function of the brain, carrying crucial oxygen and nutrients from place to place.
A Research Paper on Leaking Blood Vessels
Doctors have known for years about the importance of brain bleeds. A massive hemorrhage or stroke in the skull can cause blood to pull around the brain tissue. As the liquid continues to pool, this can lead to drastic changes in someone’s intracranial pressure, potentially leading to a herniation. While a CT scan can catch these large brain bleeds, smaller, leaking blood vessels can be missed.
In an article published by Neurology Today, a team of researchers used an advanced type of imaging scan to look for leaking blood vessels that might have been missed on the first pass. Based on their results, more than 30 percent of individuals who suffered a mild brain injury had evidence of small, punctate-like lesions that were consistent with leaking blood vessels. More than 50 percent of individuals with severe head injury showed the same results. These leaking blood vessels show up as tiny “dots” on imaging scans. They can only be picked up with advanced imaging scans, which is why they might be missed.
The Significance of the Results
The researchers also noted that individuals who had these small “dot” lesions indicating leaking blood vessels were far more likely to be left with long-term disabilities. This means that these small bleeds need to be caught early so that doctors can intervene. If these bleeds can be stopped quickly, this might make a difference in someone’s long-term functional outcome. Advanced imaging scans need to be employed regularly, even in mild brain injuries. This can provide hope to countless families who suffer a TBI every year.
Watch YouTube Video: Blood Vessels in the Body – What are Blood Vessels – Functions of Blood Vessels. The following video discusses blood vessels, their functions, and what they do in the body.
Brain Injury Lawyers in Dixon
I’m Ed Smith, a Dixon Brain Injury Attorney. Leaking blood vessels need to be identified early. If someone you love has suffered a brain bleed in a car accident due to the negligence of someone else, call one of our experienced injury attorneys at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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