Schuelke Law Discusses Emerging Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a lot more common than we might think and dramatically affects how the brain works. TBIs can be acquired due to a blow to the head, such as in a car accident or while playing sports, or may result from a penetration injury, such as a gunshot wound.

TBI affects how the brain works and processes information. There are three main categories of TBI: mild TBI, moderate TBI, and severe TBI. TBI is also recognized as a major cause of disability and death. For instance, in 2021 there were more than 69,000 deaths attributed to TBI in the U.S., or about 190 deaths every day.

TBI is the leading cause of death and disability in the most active population (<45 years of age) with an estimated 1.4 million people sustaining a TBI each year. More than 5 million people are coping daily with disabilities from TBI and the costs associated with care run approximately $56 billion a year.

“TBIs do not discriminate and can affect everyone, no matter what their age,” indicated Austin traumatic brain injury attorney, Brooks Schuelke.

Although it is true that some groups are at a higher risk of dying from a TBI or having to deal with long-term health problems. For example, groups who may have to deal with long-term health issues after sustaining a TBI can include:

• Those living in rural areas
• Those in detention facilities (prison)
• Those who serve in the Armed Forces
• Those who play sports
• Those who are homeless
• Those who have survived partner violence

“On average, the most common reasons that individuals sustain a TBI are due to falling, an assault, a car accident, or firearm injury,” Schuelke explained. 

Falls are responsible for roughly half the hospitalizations for a TBI. Car accidents and assaults are also common reasons for needing medical care for a TBI. Suicide by firearm is the most common cause of TBI deaths in the U.S. Depending on how serious the TBI is, it may result in short or long-term health problems. 

The most promising drugs or cell-based therapies recently revealed as having the potential to help those suffering from a TBI include:

• Erythropoietin
• Statins
• Bone marrow stromal cells (MSC)
• Stem cells
• Methylphenidate
• Progesterone
• Dexanabinol 
•  Rivastigmine 
• Additional voluntary physical exercise and an enriched environment combined with other treatments

“At Schuelke Law, we understand how difficult your family’s journey can be if you are dealing with a TBI as the result of an accident. We’re here to help you. Give us a call and we can outline your legal rights and explain how to move forward toward recovering compensation,” Schuelke added.