Researchers from the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Applied Research have found further evidence that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can increase the victim’s risk of a stroke, possibly for the rest of their lives. The study used data sets from more than a dozen related studies conducted in four countries to reach the conclusion that stroke risk increases by about 86% in the years after a brain injury. The greatest risk spike occurs in the first four months and remains somewhat steady for the first five years. It is believed that a noticeable risk increase could remain permanently, but further study will be required.
Importantly, the researchers want this information to be used in educating healthcare providers and TBI patients about the serious health complications that even a “mild” brain injury like a concussion can cause. Data in the study showed that mild brain injuries had the potential to cause a dramatic stroke risk in the following months and years, just as a traumatic brain injury did.
The study also suggests that all brain injuries should be considered a “chronic condition” due to the high chance that it will cause worsened stroke risk for at least several years. If this information is taken seriously and medical contexts begin to label all brain injuries as chronic injuries, then it could cause waves in healthcare, long-term care, and insurance industries. Insurance companies, in particular, will need to consider how much aftercare will be covered when a claimant has been diagnosed with a brain injury.
U.S. News & World Report has more information about this recent study, which you can view by clicking here. If you suffered a brain injury and need legal consultation in Philadelphia, contact us at (215) 278-4449">(215) 278-4449 and speak with an attorney from Golomb Legal, P.C.. We can help determine if another party is liable for your brain injury and what sort of compensation you should be given from the involved insurance company.