"Mild" Traumatic Brain Injury? Univ. of Penn. study says no such thing

Posted Thursday, December 3, 2015 by Pivotal Law Group

A study led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the University of Glasgow found that "seemingly mild, concussion-type head injuries lead to long-term cognitive impairments surprisingly often" and "can cause permanent damage."

Although some sufferers of "mild" Traumatic Brain Injury or concussion make a full recovery, recent studies suggest roughly one in five concussions leads to cognitive impairments lasting several months or longer.

This new study looked at a brain protein called SNTF, which rises after some concussions. The study found that increased SNTF was associated with "diffuse axonal injury"--dying cells responsible for transferring nerve impulses.

These results suggest two things. First, "mild" Traumatic Brain Injury may be an oxymoron; there's nothing mild about any injury to the brain. Second, Traumatic Brain Injury may soon be identifiable by a simple blood test.

For more information, go to http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/2015/11/smith/

If you are in an accident and think you are suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury, please contact our office at (206) 340-2008.

Photo credit: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/2015/11/smith/smith_large.jpg