Kids bump their heads in all kinds of ways, and parents do the best they can to supervise them and then hope for the best each time that they do fall and bump their heads. Unfortunately, some of those seemingly harmless head knocks may have long-lasting negative medical and social effects. Difficulties with learning and with interacting with others are some of the problems that can follow a head injury, and those challenges can last a lifetime. Research has indicated that the more severe the brain injury, the worse the outcomes are in adulthood.
Many people think that if a person does not have a concussion, they will not suffer long term damage. This is simply not true. Unfortunately, research has shown that even a seemingly harmless bump on the head that does not qualify as a concussion can change the brain’s physiology and affect the person’s neural functioning. When a person has experienced multiple concussions during their lifetime, they may develop a serious and often tragic neurodegenerative disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy later on in life.
One important factor in head injury outcomes is the age at first head injury. Children who were older than fifteen years of age when they had their first head injury have been found to be more likely to have difficulties as adults. The reason that younger children may recover more fully from head injuries might have something to do with neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to adapt and change its networks and behavior. Neuroplasticity is higher in younger people and lower in order people.
There are still more questions than answers on the topic of head injuries and short and long term outcomes. However, there is agreement that minimizing head trauma, especially in children, is important. Children get head injuries much more easily than adults because their bodies are much smaller and weaker. Parents can supervise toddlers as they learn to walk and make sure kids wear helmets while riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, skis, and snowboards. Some parents may even choose to encourage their kids to avoid sports like hockey and football where head injuries are most prevalent.
Giddens Law Firm, P.A.: Representing Mississippi Brain Injury Victims and Their Families
Head injuries can have serious short and long-term implications. If you or someone that you love has suffered a head injury, it is important to get it evaluated right away so that treatment and recovery can begin. Recovering from a brain injury is no small feat, and it is important that you have the time and energy to focus on becoming well again. The Mississippi Brain Injury Attorneys at the Giddens Law Firm, P.A. can help you file a claim for damages and work towards obtaining the compensation that will allow you to make as much of a recovery as you possibly can. If you have questions about brain injuries, please call our office today, at (601) 355-2022, to learn more.