Consequences of long term effect of a Chicago Illinois traumatic brain injury

A recent study published by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, reveals that another long term effect of a traumatic brain injury may be an increased chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. A loss in neurons, called nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, is the cause of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The UCLA study reveals that a moderate head trauma may result in a sizeable loss in these neurons, which continues for months following the accident. The brain injury alone will not cause enough damage to directly cause Parkinson’s; however, the resulting loss of neurons increases the chances that the victim will develop the disease in the future.

Second traumatic brain injury

In addition, should new injuries occur after the initial traumatic brain injury, a greater number of neurons may be damaged than after the initial accident. This further increases the likelihood that the victim may develop Parkinson’s in the future. Further, when the head trauma is combined with exposure to the common pesticide paraquat, the amount of damage to the Parkinson’s related neurons nearly doubles.

Additional information about recovery for a Chicago brain injury 

For more information pertaining to the legal aspects of brain damage, contact a Cook County brain injury attorney. Fill out our online form or call our office at 847-651-7191 for a complimentary consultation.