We know that brain damage can affect all of your other body parts and systems, but is the reverse also true? Can a traumatic accident or injury to your spinal cord cause you to develop brain damage?
Researchers are the University of Maryland School of Medicine think that it can. They have been studying the effects of spinal cord damage on rats and mice, and have discovered that certain types of spinal cord injuries can lead to inflammation in the brain and the death of brain cells. This swelling and cell loss can lead to cognitive difficulties, such as memory loss, and can even cause depression in the subjects.
Before you ask, yes – rates and mice can be depressed. They don’t exhibit all of the same symptoms as humans do, per se – but they can become lethargic and disinterested in activities that they used to find engaging, which are two signs of depression. The rodents also show signs of memory problems, like being unable to complete the standard memory maze test.
The doctors involved in the study are hopeful about finding this new link, and believe that with more research, they may be able to “treat this devastating
Cognitive impairment and brain damage
A traumatic brain injury can have life-long effects on the victim, making it difficult (or even impossible) for him or her to have a normal, healthy life. We have seen so many tragic cases where a brain injury led to:
- Difficulty speaking, or losing the ability to recall the right word during conversation
- Mobility issues and balance problems
- The inability for the victim to feed, clothe or take care of him/herself without help
- Comas or permanent brain death
- A permanent change in personality, including depression and suicidal thoughts
Scientists are studying the effects of brain trauma; we hear about how TBIs affect football players almost every day, and we have worked with medical professionals who can prove that a TBI has permanently damaged the brains of some of our clients. That’s why this new study linking brain damage and spinal cord injuries is so important. It gives a reason for why some victims of spinal injuries have difficulties that seems unrelated to “normal” injury symptoms – and that means that doctors might find new ways to treat those victims.
If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury, give us a call to see if you we can help you.
