Can a TBI Lead to Additional Health Complications?
When you’ve had a bump or blow to the head, you expect that you may experience some cognitive challenges. You may find it difficult to concentrate or focus. Your memory may be fuzzy for a while, or you might have challenges following a conversation or verbalizing what’s going through your brain. Are there other potential health consequences when you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
What Are the Potential Physical Effects of a TBI?
Your brain is the command center of your body, working with your central nervous system to control movement and many bodily functions. While a concussion (a mild TBI) seldom has any significant or long-term effects on your physical health, a severe TBI can put you at risk for a number of serious complications:
- Seizures
- Blood clots
- Stroke—A study published in the AHA Journal found that veterans who had sustained a traumatic brain injury were 1.69 times more likely to have a stroke in the first year following the TBI.
- Brain infections
The risk of most of these additional health problems is greatest in the days immediately following a bump or blow to the head, and tends to subside as your condition stabilizes. Some of the associated health risks, most notably seizures, may persist longer.
The Potential Connection Between TBI, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease
Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health suggest a potential link between TBI and some other diseases:
- A number of studies have indicated that any degree of TBI increases the risk of dementia by 63-93%.
- Research also indicates that people who suffer a moderate-to-severe TBI are nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion or other TBI. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
