Brain Injuries

TBI and Parkinson’s Disease 

October 4, 2022 Brain Injuries

Dealing with a traumatic brain injury can be a massive, life-altering challenge, especially when it leads to other serious medical

Dealing with a traumatic brain injury can be a massive, life-altering challenge, especially when it leads to other serious medical issues – as it often does. While it is no surprise to many medical experts, a recent study confirmed that TBI (traumatic brain injury) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Even sustaining a mild TBI has been known to increase the risk for Parkinson’s. It has been noted by one study that individuals with mild TBI and brief loss of consciousness had a 56% increased risk of suffering from Parkinson’s disease compared to those who have not suffered any head injury. Unfortunately, since there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, this is not good news for those who might have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

So what is Parkinson’s disease? It is essentially a disorder that affects the nervous system and can progressively get worse, causing one to go through uncontrollable movements like shaking, as well as difficulty with balancing and coordination. The first symptom, often noticeable, may be a tremor in one hand. Some other common symptoms might include:

• Losing expression in the face
• Speech becoming soft
• Muscles becoming stiff
• Difficulty in walking

Symptoms are known to progressively get worse. While there is at this time no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatment options that can relieve some symptoms and help patients function in some normal ways. Treatment regimens can consist of physical therapy, speech therapy, or taking the appropriate medication, depending on your specific symptoms.

You might have been in a car accident or sustained a fall that led to your suffering a mild TBI, and thereafter Parkinson’s disease. If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence, California law provides avenues for redress and recovery of financial compensation to cover medical bills and other losses.

To receive such compensation, you will have to prove the existence of your medical condition, and also prove that it was caused by someone else’s negligence. In that regard, different types of evidence like incident reports pertaining to the accident which led to your medical condition, medical records, testimony of your doctors, etc., can be helpful. Accordingly, the compensation you might be able to receive will depend on many different factors, including the severity of your injuries. An experienced attorney will know what to look for in order to develop the best legal strategy for your case.

Contact us for a free consultation

If you have sustained a TBI due to someone’s negligence, reach out to the qualified serious injury attorneys of Salamati Law. Our team of experienced Los Angeles traumatic brain injury attorneys will work with you to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Sleep Disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury

October 4, 2022 Brain Injuries

Experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the result of an accident can change your life in unimaginable ways, as

Experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the result of an accident can change your life in unimaginable ways, as well as significantly impact the lives of your loved ones. TBI can be defined “as an alteration in brain functioning or brain pathology caused by an external force.” A TBI can usually be caused by a violent or forceful impact to the head, which commonly occurs in car accidents and even as the result of seemingly harmless slip-and-falls.

Some symptoms which indicate that you might have sustained a TBI include:

• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue/Drowsiness
• Speech related problems
• Dizziness or loss of balance

Sleep Disorders Caused by Traumatic Brain Injuries

Some people who experience traumatic brain injury also develop sleep disorders.

Unfortunately, sleep disorders are fairly common amongst people who are suffering from traumatic brain injuries. According to one report, sleep disturbances affect 30%–70% of individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. This can be a massive number considering that an estimated 1.6 to 3 million traumatic brain injuries occur in the United States every year. Although anyone can experience a TBI, it is estimated that 80% of people who suffer from TBIs are males. TBIs also seem to be more common among people who are above the age of 65.

Oftentimes, sleep disorders can arise years after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Some of the more common sleep disorders which can result from a TBI include:

• Insomnia: Where the patient has difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Extreme drowsiness.
• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome: Where the patient has mixed-up sleep patterns.
• Narcolepsy: Where the patient falls asleep suddenly during the day.

There are multiple ways to treat sleep disorders, such as receiving therapy, counseling, taking the appropriate medications, or even utilizing natural remedies. While the legal system cannot heal your injuries, it can facilitate monetary compensation for your losses and pain and suffering. While the value of such claims will vary depending on the severity of the injuries, generally speaking, traumatic brain injuries can be worth significant amounts of money.

An experienced brain injury attorney will need to go over the facts of the accident, as well as the subsequent medical records which prove your injuries. It is important to remember that just because you have sustained a TBI does not automatically entitle you to recovery; rather, you will still need to prove your case. This is where Salamati Law can help.

Contact us for a free consultation

If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury after a catastrophic accident, reach out to the experienced serious injury attorneys of Salamati Law today. Our team of knowledgeable Los Angeles traumatic brain injury attorneys will listen to your story and work with you to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

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Persistent Post Concussive Syndrome in Children After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

October 4, 2022 Brain Injuries

The symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be devastating, especially when they happen to children. Traumatic Brain Injury, even

The symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be devastating, especially when they happen to children. Traumatic Brain Injury, even if it is mild, can lead to other problems, one of which is post-concussion syndrome, also known as persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Concussion in and of itself is a mild traumatic brain injury which usually occurs if there is a blow or some sort of forceful impact to the head. Concussion can also occur if there is violent shaking of the heady or body. Symptoms related to mild concussion generally only last a few days. However, symptoms related to post-concussive syndrome can linger for weeks, months, or years.

According to one study, there are approximately 39,000 hospitalizations of children up to 14 years of age, as well as 484,000 emergency room visits in the same age group, due to traumatic brain injuries. Persistent post-concussive syndrome due to mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) is especially high among children. Some studies have shown that from 2.3% to 33% of children who have sustained an mTBI will suffer from persistent post-concussive syndrome.

Another study has noted that as many as one in four children who have sustained only a minor head injury will end up suffering from post-concussion syndrome.

Persistent Post Concussive Syndrome explained

Persistent post-concussive syndrome basically occurs when concussion symptoms persist for months or even years after sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). In most cases, the concussion symptoms last just a few days, but in other situations, they can manifest for a much longer period of time.

Some common symptoms indicative of post-concussive syndrome can include:

• headaches
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Memory issues
• Vision problems

It is also important to point out here that only a mild traumatic brain injury can cause children to suffer from post-concussive syndrome. In other words, if your child was in a minor accident, which you thought was relatively harmless, that could be the cause of their suffering from post-concussive syndrome.

If your child sustained a mild traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligent behavior, e.g., in a car accident or in any other manner where someone else was at fault, then the law does offer you recourse. Although no power in this world can reverse the effect of such an injury, the California legal system does try to compensate the victim financially.

However, in order to receive such compensation, you will need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused you an injury that has resulted in your current condition. Accordingly, you will also need to prove your injury and show the validity of your medical condition. 

Contact us for a free consultation

If your child is suffering from post-concussive syndrome after sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, then reach out to the experienced serious injury attorneys of Salamati Law.

Our team of accomplished Los Angeles traumatic brain injury attorneys understands the difficult time you and your child are going through, and we will work with you to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

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How a Concussion Affects Learning

October 4, 2022 Brain Injuries

Every child is different, so it is difficult to state with certainty how a traumatic brain injury might impact learning.

Every child is different, so it is difficult to state with certainty how a traumatic brain injury might impact learning. However, researchers agree that concussions, in general, can affect the brain, especially in children. If your child suffered a concussion due to the negligence of a third party, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact the serious injury attorneys at Salamati Law for a free consultation.

Additional Effort is Needed

Sometimes, a concussion doesn’t prevent a student from returning to school. However, they may require more time and more specialized instruction to complete a task that would have once been easy for them. For example, a student could find their reading speed and comprehension is diminished–making it necessary to spend additional time with the material. Further, because they may be having trouble focusing, they might need several attempts to complete a project.

In addition, any stress or strain could exacerbate the symptoms of a concussion. Unfortunately, those conditions are often present in an academic setting. It can be exhausting for your child to attend school while suffering from post-concussion syndrome. In fact, studies have shown that the symptoms of a concussion in a child can worsen with time.

Emotional Outbursts

One of the more common aspects of a concussion is how it impacts a child’s emotional state. Highs and lows are common for individuals living with post-concussive syndrome. However, these outbursts could affect your child’s ability to continue with their education, as this could be distracting for their fellow students.

Drowsiness and Trouble Concentrating

A middle school student, for example, suffering from post-concussion syndrome, can find it challenging to concentrate. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowsiness and difficulty concentrating are common signs of this syndrome.

As stated above, these symptoms can impact your child’s ability to learn. When your child cannot focus on their studies, they are unlikely to absorb and retain information—for example, memorizing dates for a history quiz. These symptoms could also signify that their injury is more serious than you realized.

Contact us for a free consultation

The impact of a concussion on a child’s ability to learn can be frustrating. It’s essential that you consider your legal options. Your child could be entitled to compensation if their concussion resulted from another party’s negligence. A Los Angeles traumatic brain injury lawyer could help you pursue justice for your child’s traumatic brain injury. Reach out to Salamati Law to schedule your free consultation as soon as possible.

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Children With Concussions Are Four Times More Likely to Sustain a New Concussion

August 19, 2022 Brain Injuries

Sooner or later, children playing sports are likely to get hurt. Fortunately, most of these injuries are relatively minor, but

Sooner or later, children playing sports are likely to get hurt. Fortunately, most of these injuries are relatively minor, but a concussion can be very serious. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, children who previously suffered a concussion are four times as likely to sustain another. Researchers note this is an essential factor for doctors to consider when determining when a child can resume playing sports again. Further, girls are more likely to have concussions than boys.

If this has happened to your child, a serious injury lawyer at Salamati Law can help you receive the compensation you deserve so that your child may recover as fully as possible.

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What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. The force of impact causes the brain to rock back and forth within the skull. While a concussion is generally considered a minor brain injury, some can have long-term consequences. The more concussions a person experiences, the more likely it will cause permanent damage. In addition, if the person sustains a concussion before the brain fully heals from the initial head injury, the result is usually fatal. This is known as a second-impact syndrome. Long-term effects of a concussion in young people may include cognitive and physical problems.

Concussion Causes

The main causes of concussion in children include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Violence

When it comes to sports injuries, any underage athlete who hits their head should not return to the activity until cleared by a doctor. A healthcare provider should always evaluate the child.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussion symptoms include:

• Brief loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurry vision
• Memory loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Fatigue
• Personality changes

Often, concussed children do not realize they are impaired. A family member or friend usually determines the child is not acting normally and needs medical attention.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Damages

Damages, or compensation, for a TBI, may include:

• Medical expenses, current, and future
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Pain and suffering

Keep in mind there is no cap on damages for pain and suffering in California, with the exception of medical malpractice. Moreover, children receiving a blow to the head during a sports activity should not participate for the rest of the day. If a coach or another individual puts a child back into the game that same day, ignoring California protocols, the organization may prove liable for punitive damages. 

Contact a Los Angeles Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

If your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, you need the services of an experienced Los Angeles brain injury attorney at Salamati Law. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless you receive compensation.

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Study: Suicide Risk Increased After Traumatic Brain Injury

December 7, 2018 Brain Injuries

A moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be among the most serious injuries a person can sustain. According

A moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be among the most serious injuries a person can sustain. According to the findings of a recent study, the potential long-term complications of a TBI may include an increased risk of suicide. There are many possible causes of brain injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, construction accidents, and sports accidents, just to name a few. Elder neglect is another possibility.

Latest research on concussions

Researchers from Canada and the U.S. did a meta-analysis review of studies on concussions and brain injuries. All 17 of the studies included in the analysis had been published after 1963. In total, the review analyzed data from over 700,000 patients who had a TBI diagnosis. The control group consisted of 6.2 million patients who did not have a brain injury diagnosis.

The researchers’ findings indicated that patients with a history of TBI had a two-fold increased risk of engaging in suicidal behavior, attempting suicide, or reporting suicidal thoughts. It’s possible that multiple concussions on the same patient may increase the risk further. However, the researchers’ findings on this matter were inconclusive.

This meta-analysis review is just one of the recent studies to examine the link between concussions and suicide. A study published in August 2018 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) also concluded that patients with a history of brain injuries had double the risk of suicide.

In that study, conducted by researchers from Denmark, the data from over 34,000 individuals were examined. The data revealed that, among people with no history of TBIs, the absolute suicide rate was 20 per 100,000 person-years. Among people with a history of brain injuries, the absolute suicide rate was 41 per 100,000 person-years.

Other serious complications of concussions and brain injuries

As alarming as this research may be, it’s only the tip of the iceberg regarding the potential complications of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. A moderate to severe TBI may result in convulsions or seizures, coma, and persistent headaches. Some survivors display unusual behavior and personality changes, including aggressive or combative behavior. It’s also possible to suffer from long-term cognitive problems, intellectual disabilities, and communication impairments.

If the brain injury also resulted in cranial nerve damage, the patient may suffer from the paralysis of the facial muscles, loss of vision or double vision, and dizziness. Hearing loss, loss or altered sense of taste, and swallowing problems are other possible complications of TBIs.

Find a Los Angeles brain injury lawyer today

For two decades, injured individuals in southern California have relied on the Salamati Law Firm to provide sound legal guidance and vigorous representation, both in and out of the courtroom. If you or a loved one has sustained a TBI in a slip and fall incident, car crash, or similar accident, you can benefit from a free case review with our traumatic brain injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Our results-oriented approach may enable you to recover compensation from a negligent party. Call 1-855-336-1703 today or email us at [email protected]

Additional resources on traumatic brain injuries:

1. JAMA Neurology, Association of Concussion With the Risk of SuicideA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2712851
2. JAMA, Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Suicide, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2697009

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Can Brain Damage from an Injury Be Reversed?

October 6, 2018 Brain Injuries

Some of the most heartbreaking injuries are those that are invisible to the outside world. A traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Some of the most heartbreaking injuries are those that are invisible to the outside world. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause limitations including physical and emotional disabilities, inability to work, and even inability to care for oneself. Sufferers of TBI and the loved ones who care for them are often desperate for signs that the damage can be repaired. Researchers have been exploring options for reversing traumatic brain damage but there are many variables that affect success.

Factors affecting TBI recovery

Brain injuries range from seemingly mild concussions to serious diffuse axonal injuries, and the section of the brain impacted can affect the impairment suffered as well as hopes of recovery. Another key determinant is the age of the TBI victim.

Treating a TBI early improves the likelihood of recovery by reducing damage. When a severe TBI is suspected, interventions such as cooling therapies, administration of oxygen, providing medications, and even removing part of the skull may prevent further physical damage by slowing the swelling. It is crucial to monitor even seemingly mild TBIs because these interventions are sometimes necessary upon follow-up.

Once brain cells are damaged, they cannot be repaired but new connections can be made. Other parts of the brain can also learn the lost functions that had been performed by the damaged areas. For this reason, physical, cognitive, and other therapies play important parts in TBI management. Greater progress is often seen in younger patients, who have increased ability to regenerate synapses, restoring some lost function.

Researchers have breakthrough reversing brain damage

Recovery from a TBI can be a long-term process, in many cases requiring a lifetime of rehabilitation. The outlook is not always known immediately after the injury, or even for years after. However, researchers are looking for ways to reverse the damage with the use of hyperbaric oxygen treatments in an attempt to promote regrowth in the areas of damaged brain cells.

In July 2017, researchers from LSU Health New Orleans and the University of North Dakota made headlines when they successfully began the reversal of brain damage in a toddler who nearly drowned in a pool. After being hospitalized in a critical care unit for 48 days, the two-year-old girl was not expected to ever walk or talk again. However, after a series of twice-daily oxygen treatments as well as physical therapy, the little girl regained nearly normal function and shows only mild evidence of trauma to her brain.

The 2017 case is encouraging but some researchers have suggested it was not the oxygen treatments themselves but the child’s young age and/or therapies she underwent that led to her dramatic improvement.

Recovering from TBI in Southern California

For those who suffer from a TBI and those who care for them, the rehabilitation process can be a long road involving lost wages, expensive therapies and medications, and even daily help for personal care. A California traumatic brain injury lawyer can help. Los Angeles personal injury attorney Sean Salamati fights for full and fair compensation for those across CA who suffer a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence. Call today to schedule a free confidential consultation.

Additional TBI recovery resources:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine, Traumatic Brain Injury, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/physical_medicine_and_rehabilitation/acquired_brain_injury_85,P01145
2. Science Alert, Scientists Have Reversed Brain Damage in a 2-Year-Old Girl Who Drowned in a Swimming Pool, https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-reversed-brain-damage-in-a-2-year-old-girl-who-drowned-in-a-swimming-pool

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