Some of the repercussions of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are apparent right away, such as memory loss, cognition difficulties and speech problems. What is scary about a serious head injury is that some of the complications may not appear until years later. Researchers have found that TBI patients are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and even dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by dementia, memory loss and deteriorating cognitive abilities. This neurodegenerative disease is considered to be a progressive condition. Recent studies have discovered that there may be a link between adult brain injury and the development of Alzheimer’s disease years later. Researchers have suggested that the severer the brain injury, the higher the probability of developing this disease. The reason for this increased risk has to do with evidence that shows that a brain injury may interact with other factors that could ultimately lead to the disease and can also quicken the symptoms for people who were already at risk.
Parkinson’s disease may also be tied to a traumatic brain injury. This disease brings an onslaught of symptoms, including trembling, rigidity, slow movement, inability to move, shuffled walk and stooped posture. Even though the development of Parkinson’s disease is rare following a traumatic brain injury, it does happen. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease yet and the disease will progress in severity until death.
Dementia has also been tied to patients who have suffered head injuries. One of the types of dementia that has been linked to TBI is post-traumatic dementia. Post-traumatic dementia, which is the result of a single, severe traumatic brain injury, can lead to long-term memory problems.
When an accident or act of negligence results in a traumatic brain injury, compensation may be available for the injured victim. If you have suffered from a traumatic brain injury caused by someone else’s carelessness, you should contact an experienced Manhattan or Long Island injury lawyer at the law firm of Rappaport, Glass, Greene and Levine at 866-639-5567. We have over four decades of experience representing injured victims throughout New York.
