A concussion injury can cause blood flow issues to the brain

A head injury is always concerning for patients in Massachusetts. While a concussion injury has previously been thought to be relatively minor in regard to other types of head injuries, a recent study appears to show that such an injury can impact a patient longer than previously thought. Researchers used MRIs to study how a concussion impacted blood flow to the injury site after symptoms were previously thought to be alleviated.

The study involved two groups of 27 people. The first group involved patients who suffered a concussion and were administered an MRI within 24 hours of the injury. The second group involved 27 people who had not suffered an injury but were also administered an MRI. The results contradicted previously thought perceptions about the length of time concussion symptoms may linger.

The symptoms of concussions were thought to dissipate after approximately eight days after the injury. When athletes suffer such an injury, they are typically asked to wait an average of 15 days before returning to their sport. Therefore, researchers administered a second MRI to concussion victims 8 to 15 days after the injury.

Through the use of a process called arterial spin labeling, researchers were able to observe the blood flow to the injury site. Even 8 to 15 days after the injury, researchers observed decreased  blood flow to the brain. While the implications of the decreased blood flow require further research, the findings of the study could indicate that concussions create more serious long-term effects than previously thought.

A head injury, including concussion injury, can have long-term consequences for a victim, preventing him or her from working or driving, for example. Many victims require extensive medical treatment. Because of these expenses and loss of wages, these patients can find themselves facing a shaky financial situation. For those in Massachusetts who were injured as a result of another’s negligence, there are legal options available. If such claims can be proved in a civil court, a victim could receive an award of damages.

Source: middaydaily.com, “Concussions Can Cause Blood Flow Irregularities After Their Symptoms Disappear“, Amanda Lane, Dec. 1, 2015