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Concussions

Head Trauma, Concussion, & Pituitary Injury

Counsel from a Knowledgeable Spokane Injury Lawyer

Over 1.5 million Americans are afflicted by a traumatic brain injury each year and over 70,000 experience long-term disability as a result. There has been a great deal of attention about concussions in the media recently, as the NFL and other sports organizations have been forced to address growing evidence head trauma has permanent effects.

Injured in an accident? Contact our Spokane brain injury lawyers today to discuss your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at (509) 444-4444.

Types of Head Trauma and Their Impact

Head trauma can result in a range of injuries, from mild to severe, each with its own long-term effects.

Concussions:

  • A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to move inside the skull, disrupting normal brain function.
  • It is typically caused by a blow to the head, such as from a fall, car accident, or sports injury.
  • Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.
  • While most concussions are temporary, repeated concussions can lead to long-term cognitive issues, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood.

Contusions and Hematomas:

  • A contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by a direct blow to the head. This can result in swelling and damage to the brain tissue.
  • A hematoma occurs when blood vessels in the brain are damaged, causing blood to pool and form a clot.
  • Both conditions can cause serious brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments, such as difficulty moving, speaking, or thinking clearly.

Diffuse Axonal Injury:

  • This is one of the most severe types of head trauma, where the brain cells (axons) are stretched or torn.
  • It typically occurs in high-impact accidents, such as car crashes or falls from great heights.
  • Diffuse axonal injury leads to widespread brain damage and can result in long-term or permanent impairments, including coma, paralysis, and cognitive dysfunction.

Pituitary Gland and Hormonal Disruption

The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, plays a critical role in regulating the body’s hormones. Damage to this gland due to head trauma can cause significant health problems.

How Pituitary Injury Affects the Body:

  • The pituitary gland controls hormones that regulate vital functions such as growth, metabolism, and stress response.
  • An injury to the pituitary can cause hormonal imbalances, including deficiencies in growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and cortisol.
  • This can lead to various symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and decreased sexual drive.

Long-Term Consequences of Hormonal Imbalances:

  • Hormonal disruptions can have lasting effects on the body.
  • Infertility: Damage to hormones that regulate reproduction can make it difficult or impossible for individuals to conceive.
  • Weight Gain and Muscle Weakness: Low levels of thyroid hormones or growth hormone can lead to weight gain and loss of muscle mass.
  • Loss of Libido: Hormonal changes can lead to a significant reduction in sexual drive, affecting relationships and emotional well-being.

Common Causes of Head Trauma

Head injuries are often caused by accidents, but understanding the common causes can help in prevention.

Sports-Related Injuries:

  • Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey carry a high risk of head injuries.
  • Concussions are common in these sports due to direct impacts to the head during tackles, falls, or collisions.
  • Many sports organizations now enforce strict safety protocols to reduce the risk of head trauma, including helmet use and concussion evaluation before allowing players to return to the field.

Motor Vehicle Accidents:

  • Car crashes are one of the leading causes of head injuries, especially when the head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.
  • The force of impact during an accident can cause concussions, contusions, and even diffuse axonal injuries.
  • Seat belts and airbags help reduce the severity of injuries, but head trauma remains a serious risk in many car accidents.

Slip and Fall Accidents:

  • Falls are a common cause of head injuries, particularly in older adults, children, or those in high-risk environments like construction sites or slippery floors.
  • A fall can cause a concussion, contusion, or even more severe traumatic brain injuries, especially if the person lands on a hard surface.
  • Preventive measures, such as removing hazards and improving safety measures, are essential to reducing the risk of falls.

Understanding the types of head trauma, how they impact the body, and common causes can help individuals take proactive steps to prevent injuries and seek appropriate treatment if an injury occurs.

Health Problems Associated with Concussions

Recent research shows clearly that concussions, especially repeat concussions, cause long-term health problems. Our Spokane catastrophic injury lawyer can provide you with more information and resources so that you know how these health issues can affect a person later on down the line.

In the worst cases, the debilitating effect of brain injury leads to dementia, severe depression, and sometimes suicide, which is why sports organizations, from the NFL to high school football teams, have put in place strict new protocols to evaluate head injuries before a player is allowed to return to the field.

Head Trauma Affects the Body’s Cognitive Functions

Scientific studies are discovering that a human’s pituitary gland is particularly vulnerable to head trauma. The pituitary is located at the base of the brain, and it is the catalyst for hormonal signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Damaging the pituitary gland can alter hormone production, including growth hormones and adrenaline. This leads to permanent cognitive deficits, brain fog, fatigue, personality changes and hormonal imbalances.

Doctors have the ability to identify the impact location on the brain using CT scans, MRI’s, Sand x-rays, insulin tolerance tests, glucagon stimulation tests, or neurological examinations. While concussion or post-concussion symptoms might appear as bruising, tearing, or swelling in the frontal lobe of the brain, a pituitary injury is discovered by assessing whether an individual's hormone level has been dangerously compromised, below the acceptable standard.

The Spokane concussion injury and brain injury lawyers at the Sweetser Law Office have over 35 years of experience in personal injury, including concussion injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and pituitary damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What should I do if I suspect I have a concussion after an accident?
    If you suspect a concussion, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion can indicate a concussion. Avoid physical activity, and let a healthcare professional evaluate your condition.
  • Can a concussion lead to permanent brain damage?
    While many concussions are temporary, repeated concussions or severe cases can lead to permanent brain damage, such as cognitive decline or mood disorders. It is crucial to allow adequate time for recovery and avoid further head injuries.
  • How can I prevent head injuries while playing sports?
    To prevent head injuries, always use appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, during sports. Follow the rules and safety guidelines, and make sure coaches and officials enforce proper techniques to reduce the risk of head trauma.
  • How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
    Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the concussion. Most people recover in a few weeks with rest and gradual return to activities, but some individuals may experience long-term symptoms (post-concussion syndrome) that require additional treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Can head trauma lead to long-term mental health issues?
    Yes, head trauma can result in long-term mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or difficulty with emotional regulation. Damage to certain areas of the brain can affect mood and behavior, making it important to seek professional help for ongoing mental health support.
  • How is a pituitary injury diagnosed after a head trauma?
    Pituitary injuries are often diagnosed through blood tests to assess hormone levels and imaging tests, like MRIs or CT scans, to examine the brain for any structural damage. Doctors may also perform specific tests to check for hormone deficiencies related to pituitary function.
  • Is it possible to recover fully from a pituitary injury?
    Recovery from a pituitary injury depends on the severity of the damage. Some individuals may need lifelong hormone replacement therapy to manage symptoms, while others may recover to varying degrees with treatment and medical management.
  • What compensation am I entitled to for a brain injury caused by an accident?
    Compensation can cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, an attorney can help you determine the potential damages you may be entitled to receive.

Suffered a concussion or head trauma? Get expert legal guidance from Sweetser Law Office. Reach out now for a free consultation at (509) 444-4444.

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The Long-Term Effects of Head Trauma 

The human brain is complex, and head trauma injuries can be permanently disabling. Typically, the onset of concussion syndrome or pituitary injury occurs within a week or so of your brain injury, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The long-term effects of a traumatic head injury, concussion, or pituitary damage can cause adverse changes in your personality, making you quicker to anger, suspicious of others and argumentative. While your family and close friends may understand the source of these shifts in personality, your boss and colleagues at work may not, so it is important to seek help. To most people, you might appear fine on the outside, but the damage is on the inside – and it affects your ability to think clearly or impacts your ability to work. We can direct you to the proper specialists for a full diagnosis and protect your right to full compensation if you were injured by another.

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