According to new research conducted by scientists at the University of Alberta, preventing seizures after traumatic brain injury could prevent or slow down the onset of dementia. Scientists have linked dementia to traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are a significant risk factor for developing dementia. Researchers do not know why people who experienced traumatic brain injuries are more likely to become diagnosed with dementia later on.
Preventing Seizures is Crucial
Traumatic brain injuries are linked explicitly to chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no long-term treatment for traumatic brain injuries, doctors treat the symptoms experienced by traumatic brain injury survivors. Many patients who have been diagnosed with these types of traumatic brain injuries experience seizures. A neurologist will prescribe anti-epileptic medication and treatments to prevent seizures from happening.
New research shows us that when doctors can prevent seizures in traumatic brain injury patients, there is a delayed onset of dementia. In some cases, those who receive treatment for their seizures did not develop dementia. Researchers used anti-seizure medication on animal models to block their seizures. They discovered that the animals that receive treatment for their seizures were less likely to develop dementia.
Hundreds of thousands of patients with traumatic brain injuries become diagnosed with dementia. This research could allow doctors to develop a prophylactic treatment to prevent dementia. However, they note that they still have a long way to go to develop the concept. The implications of this research could help our aging population significantly.
Recovering Compensation After a TBI
Being diagnosed with dementia is just one of many side effects of suffering a traumatic brain injury. Depending on the type and severity of the brain injury, patients may become unable to care for themselves. Many TBI patients experience pain, dizziness, and cognitive decline due to their injury.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia after suffering a traumatic brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Under Kansas and Missouri laws, victims of accidents caused by a negligent individual or company have a right to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. If a person or business negligently caused your traumatic brain injury, and you now have dementia, you may be able to recover compensation from them.
Successful plaintiffs are entitled to economic and non-economic damages. They can recover damages for past and future medical expenses and lost income. They can also recover compensation for any other economic damages associated with their injuries and for their pain and suffering.
Contact a Missouri TBI Lawyer Today
One of the best things you can do after being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury is to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Griggs Injury Law, we focus a large portion of our legal practice on fighting for traumatic brain injury victims’ rights. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
