Washington patients who suffered concussions should be aware that a report published on Dec. 21 showed that conventional imaging methods detected brain scars in soldiers who have suffered mild traumatic brain injuries. The results ultimately showed that those who suffered brain injuries that were considered to be mild could still lead to long-term damages.
The brain scans were taken at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Researchers discovered that half the participants had white matter, the part of the brain that sends signals to different areas of the body, that showed brain abnormalities. According to a neuroradiologist at the medical center, the results undermined the conventional medical thought that those who suffered a traumatic brain injury would have brain scans that do not show abnormalities.
Researchers used an advanced MRI to detect the abnormalities as CT scans and regular MRIs often do not show scarring. Although the abnormalities have been detected, the researchers were not sure of the medical significance. Essentially, the scans show that the brain suffered damage in that particular area and the scar was left after the body attempted to repair the damage.
People who incur a serious brain injury could potentially suffer from long-term damages that could include behavioral changes and memory loss. If the injuries resulted from a car accident or another incident that was caused by another party’s negligence, an attorney may work to help the injured person seek compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation expenses and any long-term care costs that may be needed in the future through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.