Study: women suffer from symptoms of TBI longer

A recent study concluded that women are more likely to suffer from TBI symptoms longer than men.

Until recently, it was assumed that both men and women suffered from the effects of a traumatic brain injury for roughly the same amount of time. However, a new study published in the medical journal Radiology found that women actually suffer from the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) longer than men

About the study

The study, entitled “Sex Differences in Working Memory after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Functional MR Imaging Study,” involved 60 test subjects-30 women and 30 men. Thirty of the subjects had no symptoms of TBI, while 15 of each sex had symptoms of mild TBI. Each of the subjects underwent two brain scans using functional MR imaging. One of the scans was performed one month after the injury, while the other was taken six weeks after the initial scan. Additionally, researchers performed digit span and continuous performance tests on the subjects before they underwent each scan.

The study’s results found that there were no significant differences in continuous performance tests or digit span performances among the males-both with and without TBI symptoms. The same was found with regard to the continuous performance tests among the women. However, when it came to digit spans, women with symptoms of mild TBI had lower scores than those without.

The digit span test is used to measure the subject’s working memory. During the test, subjects are given a sequence of numbers and must immediately repeat the sequence back. The longest sequence that subjects can recall is that person’s digit span. Unfortunately, the study’s results indicate that women are more likely to suffer from memory issues due to a TBI for a longer period than men.

TBIs have serious symptoms

Memory issues are only one symptom that mild forms of TBI can cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, mild forms of TBIs can include a variety of serious symptoms such as: fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, and depression or changes in mood. More severe cases of TBI can present with more intense versions of the same symptoms, in addition to the possibility of coma, changes in behavior and extreme confusion.

According to the Mayo Clinic, falls and vehicle accidents cause the most TBIs. Additionally, violence, sports injuries and combat-related injuries (e.g. explosions) are common causes. Unfortunately, there is no 100 percent effective treatment for TBI. Many of those with mild forms often can eventually recover with rest and over-the-counter pain medication. However, those with more severe forms often require extensive medications, surgery and long periods of rehabilitation in order to recover. However, for many in this situation, the symptoms never fully go away.

If injured, speak to an attorney

Unfortunately, many TBIs are caused by the intentional or negligent conduct of another person. In such cases, compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering may be sought under Connecticut law. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, & , LLC can evaluate your claim and work to obtain the maximum compensation available to you.

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