Researchers not any closer to treatment for brain injury

According to recent statistics, an estimated 1.5 million Americans suffer a head injury every year. Traumatic brain injury is a serious health problem, particularly for young men. This type of injury can happen to anyone, in Massachusetts or elsewhere, and researchers are constantly looking for effective treatments.

Recently, a study was conducted to test yet another possible remedy to reduce the long-term impact of this type of injury. The initial plan was to incorporate the results from examining more than 1,100 patients. However, the study ultimately included 882 participants. The reason for ceasing enrollment early was cited as discouraging results from the treatment.

Researchers carried out the study on participants that suffered varying symptoms and severity of injuries. One group received a placebo and the other an infusion of the hormone progesterone. Each counterpart suffered a similar severity of injury in order to accurately compare the effects of the treatment. Unfortunately, not only did the hormone not prove to be an effective treatment, it apparently caused additional health problems.

The leading cause of a traumatic brain injury is car accidents. As these tragic events are almost impossible to eliminate, Massachusetts victims and their families will continue to hope an effective treatment will eventually be discovered. In the meantime, the families of these victims likely have many financial burdens as they struggle to provide for the needs of their loved ones. If the injury was the result of negligence on the part of another party, then Massachusetts families retain the right to file a personal injury civil suit on behalf of the injured victim in order to seek a monetary award that may offset the financial damages they have incurred.

Source: hcplive.com, “Traumatic Brain Injury: Still Looking for Effective Early Intervention“, Jeannette Wick, Dec. 16, 2014