Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Could TBIs Affect Men And Women Differently?

The human brain puts even the most advanced computers to shame. Although it only weighs about three pounds and is roughly the size of a grapefruit, it contains some 100 billion neurons, or nerve cells, all of which form an incredibly intricate network and powerful information processor. Just one neuron may be connected to 100,000 others. Understandably, when such an important and complex organ is damaged, the results are life-altering. While it's true that the overall rate of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is higher in men than women, the published statistics of approximately 10 million injuries per year indicate that millions of women are also injured annually making TBI a health priority for both men and women.

Notably, recent studies are finding that sex and gender may have a close relation to the severity of TBI and have the potential to directly influence how doctors should approach the treatment of their male vs. female patients suffering from TBI.

GMUC Study Revealed That Male Mice Tend To Have Greater Brain Distress in the Week Following a TBI

For example, a study released in 2017 by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center (GMUC) was noted as one of the first to specifically examine how sex alters the timing of inflammation in the brain after TBI. TBIs elicit an inflammatory response in the central nervous system, which is considered a secondary injury that can persist for years. The inflammation of the brain is believed to contribute to neurodegeneration. The researchers reported that male mice tend to have more significant brain distress in the week following a TBI than their female counterparts. This included a marked escalation in inflammation and nerve cell death. Their studies focused on how sex alters key neuro-inflammatory responses following TBI.

Response Between Male and Female Subjects Markedly Different

The alarming results: up to a week after a TBI injury, responses between male and female subjects were markedly different. While there was a rapid activation of immune cells, along with robust neuron cell death in males, female mice experienced much smaller changes:

How Studies Aid Our Understanding of TBI

At our law firm, we deeply care about the well-being of our community. It's essential for us all to understand how research helps in combating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies using mice are particularly valuable, even though there are differences between species. Here are three key ways this research aids in understanding and treatment:

1. Biological Pathways: Mice exhibit similar biological responses to brain injury, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. These findings help us understand the mechanisms at play in human TBI.
2. Hormonal Influence: Research on how testosterone and other male-specific hormones affect injury severity and healing in mice offers insights into the hormonal influences observed in human males.
3. Treatment Response: By testing treatments in mice, researchers can evaluate the efficacy of drugs, appropriate dosages, and potential side effects. This research is crucial for guiding clinical trials in humans.

Even though these studies provide valuable information, it's important to remember that differences in brain complexity and immune responses between mice and humans mean findings need careful interpretation and validation through human studies.

Why Seasoned Brain Injury Attorneys Keep Alert to Such Studies

Our experienced brain injury attorneys stay informed about the latest TBI research for several vital reasons:

• Strengthening Case Arguments: Understanding current research helps us explain how brain injuries impact our clients physically and psychologically, bolstering their compensation claims.
• Identifying Long-Term Impacts: New studies often reveal the long-term effects of TBIs, aiding us in arguing for future medical care, therapy, and income loss.
• Collaborating with Medical Experts: Staying up-to-date allows us to communicate effectively with medical professionals, strengthening expert testimony and medical evidence in court.
• Challenging Defense Strategies: Knowledge of current research equips us to counter defense claims that minimize the severity or cause of a client's brain injury.
• Highlighting Innovative Treatments: Awareness of advanced treatments can justify higher compensation for clients needing specialized care.
• Educating Juries and Judges: We can effectively explain complex medical findings to juries, highlighting the seriousness of the injury and its effects on the client's life.
• Demonstrating Credibility: Familiarity with cutting-edge research reinforces our expertise in handling complex brain injury cases.

OZ Law is Here for You

With ample experience representing brain injury cases in and around Sacramento and Elk Grove, California, we are committed to bold, dedicated legal representation. If you have been severely brain injured in California, contact O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm at (916) 714-8200 for the compassionate support you deserve.