There are numerous symptoms associated with traumatic brain injuries, including, but not limited to, mental confusion, mood disorders, slurred speech, persistent headaches, sensory issues and chronic irritability.
An injury of such severity undoubtedly has a significant impact on the person’s mental faculties. However, recent research suggests the impact of a traumatic brain injury may extend far beyond the mental. The person may experience complications in other areas of the body years down the line. This only increases the necessity to seek medical treatment as soon as the injury occurs.
Intestinal damage
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have potentially found a link between brain injuries and gastrointestinal issues. The researchers studied mice that had suffered brain injuries and later developed complications in their colons. These complications resulted in inflammation and tissue loss. The researchers believe a brain injury can result in permeations in the colon, allowing a wider array of harmful microbes to make their way in. One thing that was not clear in the study was how exactly a brain injury could lead to such permeations. One belief is that an injury in the brain can impact the enteric glial cells in the gut. These cells are similar to ones found in the brain, and the two could be related somehow.
Cardiovascular problems
Traumatic brain injuries also appear to have an impact on the person’s cardiovascular health. According to research published by Oxford Academic Journals, brain injuries are likely to increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the following:
- Hypertension
- ECG changes
- Left ventricular dysfunction
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Similarly, the relationship between the two conditions remains unclear. However, the relationship emphasizes the importance of seeking medical treatment right away. Many cardiovascular abnormalities developed in those who sustained brain injuries who were not at previous risk. Proactive management can help reduce the possibility of suffering such medical problems.
