It’s Never “Just” a Concussion: mTBI Can Shorten Your Life

We often underestimate the impact of seemingly minor incidents for individuals across all ages and demographics. However, recent research has shed light on a concerning reality: mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), often brushed off as “mere” concussions, can have far-reaching consequences.

One study has revealed that mTBIs can potentially shorten lives, challenging our understanding of head injuries and calling for a closer examination of their long-term effects.

Understanding mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI)

Mild traumatic brain injuries are often misunderstood due to their misleading name. Contrary to the term “mild,” these injuries can have substantial implications on one’s health and quality of life. The insidious nature of these injuries lies in their potential to go unnoticed, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and proactive medical attention.

Unlike more severe brain injuries, mTBI typically involves a brief alteration of consciousness or mental state. However, the lack of visible signs of trauma makes diagnosises and treatment all the more challenging. Common causes of mTBI range from falls and sports-related incidents to motor vehicle accidents. It’s important to recognize that even minor incidents, such as a seemingly harmless bump on the head, can lead to mTBI.

Long-term effects of mTBI

Recent groundbreaking research led by Lindsay D. Nelson PhD et al. has provided crucial insight into the enduring consequences of mTBI. Contrary to previous assumptions, this study unearthed a startling revelation: mTBI can significantly impact an individual’s life expectancy. Specifically, the research showed that survivors of mTBI, even at one to five years post-injury, exhibited higher mortality rates in comparison to individuals who had not sustained similar head injuries.

Researchers cannot pinpoint exactly “what factors contributed to the outcomes of the msTBI group in our sample. However, studies point to depression, physical comorbidities, cognitive functioning, and age as prognostic of long-term functional and quality of life outcomes after TBI.” Though not mentioned here, blood clots and strokes may be more likely in brain injury victims, and both can reduce life expectancy.

In addition to the concerning trend regarding increased mortality rates, the study revealed some of the persistent challenges faced by individuals who have experienced mTBI. A substantial proportion of mTBI survivors reported incomplete functional recovery, indicating that they faced difficulties in regaining full independence in various aspects of daily life. This includes tasks such as simple shopping, arranging transportation, and being safely left alone for extended periods.

Furthermore, the study emphasized that individuals with mTBI are at risk of experiencing a myriad of symptoms, which can encompass a wide range of cognitive and physical issues. These may include difficulties with memory, attention, and concentration, as well as physical limitations that affect mobility and coordination.

Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and medical facilities, have a responsibility to provide appropriate care to patients who have suffered head injuries, including mTBI. When they fail to meet this obligation, it can lead to significant exacerbation of the long-term effects of mTBI. This is especially concerning given the revelations from the recent study indicating the potential for life-shortening consequences.

If a healthcare provider does not conduct a thorough evaluation of a patient who has experienced head trauma, they may miss the signs and symptoms of mTBI. This oversight can result in a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment, potentially allowing the condition to worsen and reduce the patient’s life expectancy.

Pursuing an injury claim for an mTBI in Atlanta

If you sustained an mTBI in a car or truck accident, from a fall, or because of a defective product, or if your mTBI was inappropriately diagnosed or treated, you have legal options. Harris Lowry Manton LLP has secured millions of dollars on behalf of brain injury and trauma victims throughout Georgia, including:

• $30.5 million in a case where medical negligence led to hypoxic brain injury
• $11.5 million in a case of a USPS truck wreck that caused a premature labor, and the baby was born with brain damage
• $2.3 million in a case involving a defective seat belt
• $1.05 million for a client who sustained brain trauma in a trucking accident
• A confidential settlement on behalf of a client who sustained brain damage after a delivery truck caused a car crash

We understand that any injury to the brain – even one categorized as mild – can affect the entire outlook of your life. Our team in Atlanta is ready to fight for you.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we believe that negligent parties should be held to account when they cause harm. Whether it’s a dangerous driver, a negligence healthcare practitioner, or the manufacturer of a defective product which caused you harm, you have legal options. To set up a free consultation at one of our offices in Atlanta or Savannah, call us today or fill out our contact form here.