People in New Mexico who have experienced symptoms of a concussion may not actually have suffered brain injuries, according to new research. A study that was published by researchers from McMaster University in the medical journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that people experience post-concussion type symptoms even when they have no visible brain injury.
Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include dizziness, headaches and cognitive impairment. People with post-concussion syndrome may also demonstrate behavioral changes such as insomnia, increased anxiety and irritability. Although these symptoms were previously linked to brain injuries, the McMasters researchers now say that many people may experience this same set of symptoms after suffering a trivial head injury that did not result in a concussion.
A lead author of the study said that people who have suffered concussions and people who simply have symptoms of post-concussion syndrome all have inflammation. Therefore, he said that the umbrella term post-inflammatory brain syndromes should be used to describe the set of symptoms that were previously thought to be post-concussion symptoms. The lead author said that not only would the new findings open up new lines of research, the findings may provide more hope for people who have experienced cognitive dysfunction after being involved in an accident.
Whether an individual has post-inflammatory brain syndrome or symptoms of a serious brain injury, cognitive impairment and insomnia can cause a significant disruption in their life. A person who has experienced these symptoms as a result of an injury that was caused by hospital errors may want to talk to a lawyer about filing a medical malpractice claim.
