How long does it take for a brain injury to heal?
The brain is arguably the most important organ within the human body. The brain is the command center for the body, controlling and coordinating our actions, allowing us to feel and think, and enabling us to retain memories. A serious injury to the brain can have lasting effects on our ability to think, remember, and move. Sadly, each year, 1.3 million American are treated for brain injuries, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, exciting new research promises to potentially aid in the recovery of those suffering from mild traumatic brain injuries.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy for TBIs
Recently, the University of New Mexico and the New Mexico VA Health Care System earned a $3.1 million federal grant for the study of electrical stimulation as a method to treat mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The University will start clinical trials with veterans and military service members this winter. Researchers hope to find that electrical stimulation combined with rehabilitation training can reduce the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries. The total study will involve 120 patients with brain injuries.
A similar study, with fewer participants, was recently conducted by researchers at the University of California—San Diego. The study tested the effect of low levels of electrical stimulation on the sufferers of TBIs. Brain scans revealed that those treated with electrical stimulation showed a reduction in their concussive symptoms.
Recovering From a TBI
Brain injuries are highly individualized. Some people with mild brain injuries will recover swiftly and fully with no lasting impact, while others with more moderate brain injuries might experience personality changes, memory impairment, physical disability, and more. Research is still ongoing in the field of traumatic brain injuries and much remains unknown.
Brain injuries can arise as a result of a car accident, sports injury, assault, and the like. Anyone who experiences a TBI as the result of the negligence of another person could be eligible to pursue compensation from the at-fault individual. Contact a brain injury attorney for assistance as soon as possible after your injury.
Posted in: Brain Injuries