A recent issue of the science journal Nature described a paradigm shift among lethal infections that may be "ravaging the brain" and causing the development of serious traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and traumatic brain injury side effects such as brain swelling, seizures and epilepsy.
Infections such as meningitis have been thought to cause damage to the brain, but not to the extent that an infection is actually causing, according to recent studies. Researchers tested the effects of a meningitis infection by injecting the disease into mice. They found that blood vessels begin exploding in addition to the cells that were once thought to be responsible for brain damage. Researchers are continuing to look into the effects of meningitis as a major cause of TBI, but for now have determined that new brain injury treatments are likely needed to treat meningitis-induced TBI.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis occurs in an individual as an infection of the fluid surrounding a spinal cord and the brain. There are two common forms of meningitis that are often described in the news: bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is often considered a deadly bacteria that can quickly cause brain injury and brain damage including hearing loss and learning disabilities, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). Viral meningitis is listed as "generally less severe" and can be healed without a specific treatment, although research now describes both viral and bacterial meningitis as more harmful to the brain than once thought.
The disease is considered very contagious, although less so than the common cold or flu. Bacterial meningitis can be spread through an "exchange of respiratory and throat secretions" such as kissing, coughing or sharing drinks, food and utensils, according to the CDC.
There are vaccines against meningitis but individuals should also be aware of signs and symptoms of the condition as well, especially if they work in an office, day care, school-type environment, etc. The Meningitis Foundation of America described the following symptoms of the condition:
* vomiting
* headache
* drowsiness
* seizures
* high temperatures
* joint pain
* stiff neck
* rash
* sensitivity to light
* infants may have a high-pitched cry, dislike being held while arching back
* pale skin color
* high fever
TBI Side Effects
Unfortunately there are a vast number of side effects and conditions that can develop when a patient suffers from a traumatic brain injury incident. There are treatments that are being developed and several clinical trials that are always ongoing, but much of a TBI treatment also depends on the victim and the victim's prognosis. However, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that the following conditions are common among TBI victims:
* difficulty thinking, reasoning
* memory problems
* problems with sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing
* inability to communicate, express and understand
* behavioral issues, acting out
* increased aggression
* anxiety, depression
* social inappropriateness
* personality changes
* stupor, coma
Living With A Brain Injury
Living with a traumatic brain injury can be a difficult scenario, for both a victim and their support group including friends and family. It is important that an individual who feels they may have suffered from a traumatic brain injury to seek a medical assessment immediately, as a brain injury can worsen if not treated properly.
Additionally, it may be necessary for a TBI victim to receive a free legal consultation from a brain injury attorney in order to develop a TBI lawsuit, which may provide an award of monetary compensation. Often, TBI treatments and medical diagnosis can be expensive, and if an individual has little to no coverage from health insurance, a brain injury could mean losing their home, job or more, which is why brain injury litigation may assist a victim in receiving treatment payment.
By: Katie Kelley
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