A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury from which millions of people suffer every year. There are a number of things that can cause TBIs, ranging from car accidents to head trauma in contact sports. Although concussions are relatively common, as with all traumatic brain injuries, it is important to treat every TBI as a severe injury.
With a concussion, the symptoms can range from a mild headache to severe memory loss, nausea, and loss of mobility. One challenging aspect of a TBI is that it is often impossible for doctors to predict how quickly the victim will recover, or even if a full recovery is likely. Some medical experts are starting to uncover data that indicates that concussions affect women more than they affect men – a fact that could have significant implications for personal injury awards.
TBIs and Sports-related Injuries
Although women statistically suffer more from a traumatic brain injury than men do, they are often left out of the research studies that are focused on male athletes. Typically, TBI research related to athletics has been geared towards male-dominated sports. We see this especially with the recent investigation that links the negative long-term impacts of a TBI with the NFL. Medical experts have started to focus their research on the aftermath of multiple concussions for those who play in the NFL.
That said, recent studies have investigated whether gender influences concussion outcomes. Some research shows that at a high school level, TBIs are more common with female athletes and the complications of a TBI are more severe and long-lasting in women. Symptoms reported include sensitivity to light, intense headaches that don’t subside, feelings of nausea, and dizziness. Researchers have concluded that females may be more severely affected than males starting at puberty and going through menopause, then their paths are similar. The reason for this is still undetermined.
Understanding the Impacts of a TBI
Regardless of your gender, a traumatic brain injury can become a life-changing incident. Some of the common effects people with a TBI report include:
- Feelings of isolation from family and friends
- Depression related to life changes after a TBI
- Inability to perform the duties of your job, resulting in loss of a career path
- Frustration and anger with memory loss and cognitive inabilities
The brain is an essential organ and one that defines who we are as human beings. A TBI is one of the most devastating injuries a person can suffer, especially since the recovery process is so difficult to predict.
Call a California TBI Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury, life can start to feel complicated very quickly. Fortunately, in many cases, victims are entitled to significant compensation under California law. At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we are committed to helping our clients obtain justice and holding negligent parties liable. Call us today at 714-625-8914 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
