Schuelke Law Discusses New Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

There are approximately 1.5 million people across the nation who have survived a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The outcome over time varies according to the nature and severity of the initial injury. This is a major area of research and the latest breakthrough may help more TBI survivors. 

“One of the biggest concerns about sustaining a traumatic brain injury is that they can amplify the risk of developing dementia over time,” explained Austin traumatic brain injury lawyer, Brooks Schuelke. 

According to the latest research from Gladstone Institutes, fibrin, a blood coagulation protein is responsible for instituting toxic inflammation and neuron loss in the wake of a major head injury.

This latest molecular-level research demonstrates how a TBI triggers neurodegeneration and how to target the process to prevent long-term damage. The fundamental question the researchers wanted to answer is precisely what transpires in the brain in the aftermath of an injury that triggers that damaging process that destroys neurons. 

Fibrin, a protein that normally helps blood coagulate, appears to be the problem. For further information on this study, read the article in the Journal of Neuroinflammation. Fibrin turns good immune cells bad, which in turn results in inflammation and the release of toxins that kill neurons.

“The main causes of traumatic brain injury are auto accidents, slips, trips, and falls, violent assaults, and numerous hard-hitting sports activities,” Schuelke indicated. 

TBIs can also manifest in military members who have been present during an explosion. The external impact is strong enough to shake the brain up and move it back and forth or side to side inside the skull. This movement results in a significant blood-brain barrier breakdown allowing blood to move in. Neutralizing toxic immune responses in the brain can pave the way for new therapies to help those suffering from neurological diseases.

A therapeutic monoclonal antibody is being developed to act solely on fibrin’s inflammatory properties without adversely affecting blood coagulation. This potential new drug is currently in Phase 1 safety clinical trials.

“There appears to be a lot of hope for those who have sustained a TBI,” Schuelke said. “If you have sustained a TBI, call our office to discuss your case. We are here to help you,” he added.