Link between traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress in Texas accident victims

Recovering after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a real challenge for accident victims. Some victims may even suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident, which only adds to the challenges they face. If you’ve found yourself in this situation – having to cope with both a TBI and a PTSD – then you may be relieved to hear that the scientific community is working hard to better understand your situation.

Communication between TBI and PTSD researchers lacking

Up until recently, there was little or no collaboration between scientists and doctors who study traumatic brain injuries and those who study post-traumatic stress disorders. Researchers believe that these conditions are interrelated, with some TBI victims experiencing PTSD and some PTSD symptoms being caused by an undiagnosed TBI.

An ambitious research project, funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has resulted in a series of articles and studies seeking to find common ground between TBIs and PTSD. One of their recommendations is for professionals in each specialty to better communicate and establish a common language, so they can improve their understanding of each disorder and how patients are affected.

Altered brain function is key to diagnosing and treating TBI / PTSD

One interesting finding is that there is no agreement between TBI and PTSD scientists as to what constitutes “altered brain function”. A proposal was made by the researchers to define altered brain function as one of the following clinical signs:

• Loss of or decreased level of consciousness for any period of time;
• Memory loss of events immediately before or after the injury;
• Neurological problems like weakness, loss of balance, change in vision, paralysis, sensory loss, or aphasia;
• Any change to mental state such as confusion, disorientation, or slowed thinking.

We have our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq to thank for this new way of thinking, as the terrible injuries they have suffered has served to highlight how these two disorders are related. With a common language and better communication, research performed in each field can be used to help soldiers and civilians who suffer from TBIs and PTSD. In fact, for the next step researchers recommended a long-term study that includes both military and civilian patients.

Suffering from a TBI or PTSD after a Texas accident? Let us help.

Please contact our office if you are ready to speak with a skilled, compassionate attorney about your accident case. We’ll review your case with you for no cost or obligation, and talk about how we can help you move forward.

Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C

1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1020

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: 713.224.7800

Fax: 713.224.7801