Uncovering the Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

Posted on February 15, 2017

Photo: flickr

Researchers from the Cincinnati Children's have presented at a meeting of the Association of Academic Physiatrists their extensive studies on patients who suffer from the aftereffects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While some injuries heal and fade, those who suffered from TBI are more likely to develop issues years after like secondary ADHD and attentional problems.

Furthermore, their environments and parental relationships play a key role in how severe or mild these problems develop. For example, kids who suffer from severe TBI but live in optimal environments have shown fewer aftereffects while kids with milder injuries from chaotic environments have persisting problems. In addition, skills that affect social functioning show greater long-term effects. This includes skills like reasoning and processing. Aside from environmental factors, there are genetic influences on TBI as well, which the research team has planned an experiment for that has yet to be conducted. However, it is important to note that the exact relationship between genes and environment and TBI remains unclear.

Researchers at the Cincinnati Children's also continue to develop and test ways to improve cognitive and behavioral outcomes of TBI. Some of the programs they created involves web-based parenting courses and online family problem-solving treatments.


Source material from Science Daily