Recent studies completed over the past three years have contributed to mounting evidence to the notion that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in lasting, long-term effects. It is more widely accepted that multiple concussion injuries lead to long-term consequences such as significant cognitive and psychological impairment. But a growing body of evidence supports the theory that even one serious concussion could change the brain’s chemistry enough to cause a higher likelihood of experiencing mood disorders or depression later in life.
Naturally, these injuries occur in varying levels of severity, with each case exhibiting its own unique set of symptoms joined by a potential for long-term or permanent consequences. Neurological research continues to link long-term brain damage, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and dementia, with severe concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
The residual effects following a traumatic brain injury are fairly common, particularly in cases of moderate to severe concussions. At times, a head injury patient can make a full recovery. In other examples, some traumatic brain injury patients experience chronic, even permanent effects. Every person’s brain is unique and heals differently. No two cases are exactly alike – patients sharing a nearly identical injury and severity diagnosis may experience considerably different recoveries, including differences in symptoms severity and duration immediately after the injury and throughout life.
Permanent or chronic effects of a brain injury can include one or more of the impairments listed here:
- Behavior
- Depression or anxiety
- Impulsiveness or irritability
- Loss of energy, motivation
- Pain
- Chronic headaches
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tingling or stinging from nerve dysfunction
- Energy / Arousal
- Issues with loss of consciousness
- Daytime sleepiness or Insomnia
- Cognition / Mental Processing
- Shortened attention span
- Decreased memory or comprehension
- Decrease critical thinking, planning
- Sensory
- Blurred vision
- Sound or light sensitivity
- Difficulty with balance
- Hearing loss
New Information about Single Concussions and Potential Long-Term Health Risks
A study completed in 2013 took a close look at the brain scans from patients who had experienced a single-concussion and compared them to a group of uninjured, healthy individuals with no previous traumatic brain injuries. The scans were taken one year after the initial injury. The concussion scans showed sign of tissue damage in parts of the brain directly associated with mood disorders and depression.
Researchers were able to see actual, physical changes in some of the concussion patients’ brains. In certain regions, physical shrinkage of the brain was observed. The findings do not mean that all concussion patients will be prone to brain shrinkage and mood disorders. However, some cases from the study demonstrated sufficient evidence to cause concern. This further reinforces the importance of resting the mind and optimizing the recovery period – even after just one concussion.
Living with Long-Term Consequences of a Head Injury
Those living with permanent or chronic ailments connected with a serious concussion or other brain injury can benefit from better understanding their symptoms and knowing how to address them. Help and new treatment options currently exist for many different types of symptoms and conditions. Patients may wish to consider new courses of action such as attending support group meetings or consulting with a nutritionist.
A variety of help and therapeutic treatments are available for those living with the effects of a traumatic brain injury. Many newer options exist in the areas of treating pain and coping with mental conditions -especially when compared with the number of resources available five to ten years ago. Anyone with questions about long-term treatment options or wishing to know more about the latest treatment options can start by speaking to an experienced traumatic brain injury specialist or counselor.
References:
NPR – Can Just One Concussion Change the Brain?
Walton Foundation for Independence
