The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many 2.5 million people in the United States suffer a brain injury every year. Brain injuries can be a result of many types of accidents including slip and falls, car accidents and bicycle accidents. Brain injuries are especially common in motorcycle accidents and can occur even if a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet while riding.
A brain injury can forever change a person’s life. Traumatic brain injury can severely disrupt a person’s ability lead a productive and normal life. Depending on the severity of the injury, there may be numerous repercussions on the individual’s ability to perform daily routine functions.
A complete treatment for a brain injury has proven elusive, although there are advancements that can help reduce the severity of the injury, and thereby, the consequences of the injury. Typically, these treatments have to be administered within the first few hours of the brain injury in order to limit the severity of the injury.
Technology that uses the injection of nanoparticles to reduce swelling and minimize inflammation after a traumatic brain injury is being hailed as a breakthrough in efforts towards the treatment of these debilitating injuries.
Recently, researchers at Northwestern Medicine revealed that they have seen successful in using nanoparticle technology to treat a traumatic brain injury. These nanoparticles are made of a special material, and are meant to be injected into the patient’s system after the brain injury. The injections reduce the possibility of secondary damage. Soon after a brain injury, the body triggers immune responses that rapidly increase swelling in the brain. Brain swelling can be very serious and even fatal, unless surgery is performed. The nanoparticles reduce the risk of brain swelling by distracting the immune cells, preventing them from flooding the brain region and causing the swelling.
A severe brain injury can result in a reduced or impaired ability to perform simple tasks like feeding, dressing or grooming himself. Even a moderate brain injury can mean reduced memory and concentration. A person with a traumatic brain injury may suffer from personality changes, like irritability and anxiety. Brain injuries can affect a person’s ability to enjoy recreation and sports, or contribute to a community.
Depression is a common consequence of a brain injury, and can mean a diminished quality of life and poor prognosis for a person with a traumatic brain injury. A brain injury can impair mobility and gait, motor skills, and cognitive abilities. All of these consequences can mean that the individual is no longer able to work at his former job and earn an income.
All of these factors must be considered into your claim after an injury. Failure to account for all current and future expenses could mean financial devastation for you and your family. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a motorcycle accident, talk to an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney at the Katz Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your options for a claim.