Even a mild traumatic brain injury can increase a person’s chances of suffering mental health issues such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the results of a new study.
Brain Injury Study Findings
The mild brain injury mental health disorder study, published in the January 30, 2019, issue of JAMA Psychiatry, looked at 1,155 patients with mild traumatic brain injuries and 230 patients with injuries other than head injuries who were admitted to 11 different hospitals between 2014 and 2016. 61.8% of the patients with mild traumatic brain injuries suffered their injuries in car crashes, 29.2% were hurt in falls or other unintentional injuries, 6.1% were hurt by violence, and 3% were hurt by an unspecified cause.
The study found that:
- Three months after injury, 20% of patients with mild brain injuries suffered from depression or PTSD. Only 8.7% of people with other types of injuries suffered from these conditions.
- Six months after injury, 21.2% of patients with mild brain injuries suffered PTSD or depression. Only 12.1% of patients with other types of injuries suffered the same types of mental health complications.
Additionally, the study found that having pre-existing mental health conditions before suffering a brain injury was “an exceptionally strong risk factor” for suffering mental health conditions after a brain injury.
Why This Brain Injury Study Is Important
While more research in this area may be beneficial, there is something to learn from this study. Specifically, if you or a loved one has suffered a mild traumatic brain injury in a car crash, fall, or other accident, it is important to be aware of the risk and to report any symptoms to your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Get the Help You Deserve After a Brain Injury
Medical help may be critical to your recovery, and legal help may be just as important. If someone else caused your traumatic brain injury, you may be able to make a financial recovery for all of your injuries, including any mental health problems you can prove happened as a result of your brain injury.
Have You Suffered a Brain Injury?
If you've suffered a brain injury you need to speak with an experienced brain injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.
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