In a study published by PLOS online, youths who suffer even mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are at an increased chance of having serious issues, including psychological disorders and premature mortality, later on in life.
Long-term data of cases where patients had suffered at least one concussion or mild traumatic brain injury were analyzed by Seena Favel, MD, professor of forensic psychiatry at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and her colleagues. The patients who were an average of 13 years old, when they received their injuries, were all born between 1973 and 1985. After reaching age 26 they were followed for an average of eight years.
It was found by the research team that TBI was consistently linked to premature death and psychiatric treatment as well as low educational achievement. These individuals were also more likely to become dependent on public assistance such as welfare and disability. The risk for those who had TBI being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in adulthood was 10% while the chance of premature mortality was 2%. The chances of the TBI victims being hospitalized with psychiatric disorders were double those of siblings who were not affected by TBI while young. Compared to their siblings they were 80% more likely to become dependent on disability.
The authors of the study wrote, “Given our findings, which indicate potentially causal effects between TBI exposure in childhood and later impairments across a range of health and social outcomes, age-sensitive clinical guidelines should be considered and preventative strategies should be targeted at children and adolescents.”
Stimulant Drug Treatments Investigated
Use of certain stimulants showed that attention improved after one treatment, for a short duration, for individuals with TBI, according to data from a systemic review published in the Annals of Clinical Psychiatry.
Researchers from Metro Health conducted a search of major data bases to identify random trials on the use of stimulants for patients diagnosed with TBI. One of the studies showed a significant improvement in symptoms of depression with methylphenidate. One of two studies, that included follow-up, showed significant differences in disability ratings, attention/concentration and motor memory at 30 days between the administration of methylphenidate and placebos.
The conclusion was that there was limited evidence to suggest the efficacy of stimulants for psychiatric symptoms but its use did show improved attention with first-time indication. Further research needs to be done, but there is some promise attained from the research so far.
TBI in Children and Adolescents
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA is dedicated to stopping child abuse and protect children and adolescents from life-altering traumatic brain injury. A severe brain injury can have physical and financial devastation that can affect the child and his family for a lifetime.
If your child received a traumatic brain injury and you believe negligence was the cause, contact an experienced brain injury attorney at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA today for a free evaluation of your case. You may be entitled to significant compensation for past and future medical bills, lifetime loss of income and more. There is no cost to you until we win the case for you and your loved one. Contact Dolman Law at 727-451-6900 today. We are here to help.
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