A Stroke Can Cause Dementia
Individuals who suffer a head injury in an accident are at risk of developing a stroke, which might also lead to dementia down the road. It is vital for everyone to understand that a stroke can cause dementia even years after the incident. One of the major complications that might develop following a blow to the head is a stroke. This develops when an area of the brain loses blood flow for any period of time. While some strokes might only last for a few seconds or minutes (often called a transient ischemic attack), others might require the attention of a trained neurosurgeon in an emergency medical intervention to treat this vascular complication. Because of the complications that might follow this vascular incident, it is important for everyone to understand the different types and how they might cause dementia.
A Hemorrhagic Versus an Ischemic Stroke
There are two different types of strokes that someone might suffer in a traumatic accident involving a head injury. The first type is called a hemorrhagic stroke. This type develops when one or more of the blood vessels in the brain burst. When these blood vessels burst, people develop a brain bleed. This bleed deprives brain tissue, which relies on those vessels for blood, oxygen, and nutrients. This will lead to the death of brain tissue in the area of the stroke.
The other type is called an ischemic stroke. This type is more common than a hemorrhagic stroke. In this ischemic event, a blood clot develops in one of the blood vessels in the brain. This clot blocks the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to vital brain tissue, leading to a stroke. Unfortunately, brain cells that die due to a stroke might never make a full recovery. This can lead to dementia in the future.
The Relationship Between a Stroke and Dementia
When someone suffers a stroke, the long-term complications will depend on its location in the brain. Depending on the exact brain tissue that is damaged, someone might be at risk of developing dementia. In a research study published in 2012 in the International Journal of Stroke, a team of researchers looked at a total of nine separate studies on individuals with dementia. During the study, the researchers followed more than 5,500 people. The study found that individuals who had a singular stroke were at risk of around ten percent of developing dementia. This rate increases to between 30 and 53 percent in those who had a recurrent stroke. Therefore, having a stroke is a risk factor for developing dementia down the road. Sometimes, the signs of dementia might develop within a year following a stroke.
The Signs and Symptoms
There are certain signs and symptoms that might indicate someone is developing dementia. Some of the symptoms people should watch for include memory loss, confusion, getting lost in familiar places, and having trouble completing daily tasks. Those who have signs of dementia following a stroke should make sure they seek medical care as quickly as possible. While treatment options might not be able to reverse dementia, medical care might be able to slow its progression. This can make a significant difference in someone’s quality of life.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. When someone suffers a stroke, this might lead to dementia. If you have suffered a stroke or mental health problems following an injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, please reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 and/or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
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