Recent research finds that adolescent concussions can increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the impact of traumatic head injuries—such as football head injuries—on the future health and well-being of teenagers. Past research has revealed that repeated concussions can lead to conditions like Second Impact Syndrome and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
More recently, a study has shown that repeated concussions can also increase the risk of multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease in which the body’s immune system targets the central nervous system, creating scar tissue that disrupts nerve impulses from the brain and spinal cord. This can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling, spasticity, difficulty walking, vision problems, pain, and cognitive changes.
The study, which was recently published in the journal Annals of Neurology, was conducted in Sweden. The researchers found that individuals who had had a concussion before they turned 11 were not at any greater risk for developing MS. However, if a concussion was suffered between ages 11 and 20, the individuals had a 22 percent greater risk of developing MS. The risk doubled if multiple concussions were experienced.
Since this was an observational study based on the analysis of medical records, it does not prove that concussions cause MS—only that concussions, and especially multiple concussions, are linked to an increased risk of MS. The researchers posited that this might happen because multiple brain injuries trigger an autoimmune process in individuals who are already genetically susceptible to MS.
Getting Compensation for the Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you or your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another party, you are entitled to compensation. Most people realize this, but what they often overlook is the scope of this compensation. It should not just cover the immediate medical expenses and pain related to the initial injury. Instead, it should cover all the ways that the injury has affected the victim’s life. This includes future medical needs and future pain and suffering.
The best way to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for all the negative consequences of a traumatic brain injury is to get an experienced attorney on your side. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have the skills, experience, and tenacity required to help. We will guide you through every step of the process required to build, submit, and win your traumatic head injury claim. For a free initial case evaluation, please call us at 800-333-0000. If you have a strong case, we will represent you with no money due until after we win your case.
