The brain is arguably one of the most important organs in the human body. When it is damaged or injured, it can have temporary and permanent impacts on the daily lives of anyone injured. Brain injuries can occur as a result of war, sports, accidents or lack of adequate medical intervention. Massachusetts residents may be interested in a new study that has linked traumatic brain injuries with an increased chance of being diagnosed later in life with Parkinson’s disease.
The study was conducted on 325,870 veterans who had treatment at a veteran’s medical facility. Approximately half of the veterans had experienced either a mild, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury either during or after their service. The study and data were collected over several years.
Each veteran who suffered a brain injury was compared and tracked against the data of a similarly aged veteran who had not suffered a traumatic brain injury. Researchers believe that the data collected over the years strongly indicated that traumatic brain injuries can increase a person’s chance of developing Parkinson’s disease later in life. Because not all of the brain injuries occurred while the veterans were in service, researchers believe that the data can also correlate to civilians and athletes who experience head trauma.
Unfortunately, brain injuries are not limited to veterans and athletes and can occur to anyone at any time. Research continually indicates that previous beliefs that people could heal from initial injury and suffer no lasting consequences are no longer valid. Studies such as this one continue to help Massachusetts attorneys and their clients understand the lasting impact victims may suffer, and the justification for seeking compensation in personal injury lawsuits when an injury results as an act of negligence.
Source: Time, “Even Mild Brain Injuries May Increase Parkinson’s Risk“, Jamie Ducharme, April 21, 2018
