Possible Drug Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults May Harm Children

 Posted on September 26, 2018 in Catastrophic Injuries

A traumatic brain injury can happen to anyone, and at any age. When it does, the end result can be catastrophic. This is especially true in cases involving serious injury and excessive brain swelling. Unfortunately, there are currently no medications to treat the swelling—only drugs that help to improve the ultimate outcome for patients who survive. Thankfully, recent studies suggest an answer may be on the horizon, but with one major caveat: it may only work in adults.

Antibiotics and TBI Swelling in Children and Adults

The potentially deadly implications of TBI do not typically come from the injury itself. Instead, it is generally caused by the post-injury swelling of the brain. Previous studies have suggested that genetics may play a role in the severity of this swelling, but no one really knows why some are more prone than others to rapid and life-threatening swelling.

Published in the journal Experimental Neurology a recent study found that antibiotics may help to mitigate the brain swelling in adults. Unfortunately, mice models also indicated that antibiotics may actually have a negative effect on the developing brains of children. This essentially means that scientists may be able to move forward with more studies in adults, but they remain largely at a loss when it comes to the treatment of TBI-related brain swelling in children—the most vulnerable members of society.

When a TBI Happens to You or Your Child

While most people are treated and released after a traumatic brain injury with only minimal long-term impact, others suffer from continuing complications. They may be unable to work or go to school for an extended period of time. Alternatively, some may become permanently disabled and no longer able to care for themselves properly. If this has happened to you or your child, it is critical that you know your rights—particularly the right to pursue compensation from the negligent party who caused the accident in which you or your child were injured.

Call Us for Help

If you or a member of your family has suffered a traumatic brain injury or any other type of serious personal injury, Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, can help. We understand the emotional and financial strain that families face after an injury. Dedicated and experienced, we will work hard to get you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve. Learn more about how our Winnebago County personal injury attorneys can help with your case. Call 815-215-7561 to schedule a free consultation with us today.

Source:

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/192390/20170113/antibiotics-effective-traumatic-brain-injury-treatment-in-adults-but-worsens-cognitive-problems-in-children-study.htm