Hitting Your Head Could Increase Your Risk of a Stroke

Traumatic brain injuries are serious and can have daunting long-term consequences. As severe as these injuries are, some of the resulting health issues are not even immediately obvious.  Among the most concerning lasting effects is an increased risk of stroke.

Many people associate strokes with stress or chronic conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. People fail to consider how a blow to the head can raise the likelihood of a stroke later on. Understanding the connection between a head injury and a stroke is vital. If you have been in an accident, fallen, or had another incident that caused head trauma, it is critical to know what it means and what to do next to protect your health and your legal rights.

What is a traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain sustains damage due to an external force. The force could be a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. The severity of a TBI depends on the type of force, which leads to a range of severity from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

Car accidents, falls, sports-related impacts, assaults, or workplace accidents typically cause TBIs. Those who suffer head trauma may experience headaches, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness. While some symptoms appear right after the injury, others may gradually develop over time. For this reason, it is vital to monitor your health closely in the weeks and months following a head injury.

The link between head injuries and strokes

TBIs may lead to strokes

Research establishes a concerning connection between TBIs and strokes. According to an International Journal of Stroke study, people who suffer from a TBI are more likely to have a stroke. The study goes on to say that the stroke risk is highest within the first few months after the injury.

Medical doctors and scientists say head trauma can cause blood vessel damage in the brain, which increases the risk of blood clots or hemorrhages. Additionally, inflammation caused by the trauma may negatively impact how blood flows through the brain. Together, clots, hemorrhages, or inflammation can trigger a stroke.

Mild brain trauma can also cause strokes

A Neurology Today article noted that individuals who experienced mild TBIs were more likely to have an ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke is one caused by a blockage preventing blood flow to the brain. Other reports state that although the risk is greatest during the first year after the injury, it remains an increased risk for years after the trauma.

Increased risk in older adults and vulnerable populations

Anyone can experience a TBI, but certain groups are more susceptible to both head injuries and subsequent strokes. For instance, older adults are prone to slips and falls. These incidents can and often do result in a brain injury, so these adults are at higher risk. Preexisting conditions like high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation can further elevate the likelihood of a stroke.

Vulnerable populations such as individuals with diabetes, athletes who play contact sports, and people who have suffered from multiple head injuries may also be at an elevated risk.

Stroke symptoms to watch for after a head injury

Symptoms can appear immediately or farther down the road. Either way, you should keep a watchful eye on stroke symptoms within the first year after the TBI. Common signs include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Trouble speaking
• Vision problems
• Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
• Severe headache with no known cause

Any of these symptoms require immediate medical attention. The difference between recognizing them early and delaying treatment can be a matter of long-term disability, or even life and death.

Did someone else’s negligence cause your head injury?

If your head injury resulted from another party’s negligence, there are legal factors that you should consider pursuing a personal injury claim. The fact that you may be at increased risk of stroke adds another layer of complexity to your recovery and potential compensation.

Damages you may be entitled to after a TBI

If you are awarded damages in your personal injury lawsuit, they can help with losses like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing rehabilitation or therapy

For example, in Tennessee, personal injury claims must be brought within one year from the date of injury. However, exceptions sometimes apply to this strict statute of limitations. Under the discovery rule, which is often narrowly interpreted by courts, there may be leeway if the injury was not reasonably discoverable until a later date.

How a personal injury attorney can help

Understanding the long-term impact of a TBI is essential when pursuing compensation. The heightened risk of a stroke adds medical urgency and legal implications to a claim. A personal injury attorney can:

• Look into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
• Collaborate with experts to establish the connection between TBI and stroke risk.
• Identify and collect documentation to support your claim.
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Since all effects of a TBI are not immediately apparent and can be wide-ranging, it is crucial to take into account the immediate costs and the potential long-term medical and financial implications.

Take head injuries seriously because your future health may depend on it

Who has not bumped their head and brushed it off as a “minor” bump? At one point or another, most people have brushed off an accident, especially when there are no immediate signs of a serious problem. However, brain trauma is nothing to ignore, as there is a proven link between TBI and future strokes.

If another party’s negligence caused your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation received may help you get the care and resources you need to get better.

Because medical care is time-sensitive and statute of limitations are looming, do not wait to ask for legal guidance! At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know that brain trauma can have long-term effects, including a higher risk of stroke. Our team is committed to working with you to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Call or message us today to set up a consultation and see how we can assist!