Minor Hits To The Head May Be Dangerous According To A New Study

Brain injuries can be very frightening. Such injuries are often difficult to diagnose so the effects can be hard to determine. It is easy to understand how a severe blow to the head can lead to a significant brain injury. However, it has been suggested by new research that over time, minor hits to the head can lead to long term problems. According to doctors, repeated head trauma could lead to thinking and memory problems in the future. An example of this is head injuries suffered by football and soccer players. Studies have shown that the players of these sports can suffer between 70 to 100 minor hits to the head in a single game.

There is new research out of the University of Rochester Medical Center by Dr. Jeff Bazarian and his colleagues that now suggests that when a person suffers a blow to the head the blood brain barrier, the brain’s natural protector and gatekeeper, appears to weaken. Blood samples were taken from 67 college football players prior to and after games. None of the players suffered a concussion but the players who had more hits to the head showed higher levels of protein that leaked into their bloodstream from their brain.

The proteins that leak from the brain are foreign to the bloodstream so the body treats the proteins as an enemy and forms antibodies against them, just at it would against a virus. The researchers believe that after this happens, once the blood brain barrier opens up again, the antibodies enter the brain through the barrier and attack. If this theory proves to be accurate then it could lead to new ways to treat severe brain injuries and prevent the future long term problems that are associated with these types of injuries.

People who suffer brain injuries may want an assessment of whether they have a rightful claim to compensation for their pain and suffering. For an accurate assessment it is necessary that complications and implications of the injury be evaluated. The injury’s effect on a person can be minimized through rehabilitative care. This could help avoid additional harm and restore the victim to as normal a life as possible. Victims could be entitled to current and future medical expenses, and possible compensation for the financial hardships that result from an inability to work. Long term care may also be addressed if the case is extreme.

But what do you think? I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com . You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.