Our team of San Diego personal injury lawyers agree that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of most serious injuries that can arise out of a car accident. And unfortunately, a car accident is not the only cause of a TBI – anything from a fall, to sports, to professional fighting can cause a traumatic brain injury, and the effects can last a lifetime. Now, researchers are studying the effects of a brain injury and how sufferers are coping with their diagnoses long-term.

The study focuses on professional boxers, martial arts pros, and other extreme athletes who were reported to have sustained a TBI during the course of their professional career. Over 500 participants will take part in the study, a research project that is supported by a $400,000 grant by a foundation, according to reports by the Los Angeles Times.

“We know what permanent brain damage looks like in its final stages, but we know so little about what causes it and what happens during cumulative trauma,” said a researcher of the Cleveland Clinic.

The researcher will be coordinating the new study with partners Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The study’s hope is to shed light on the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury caused by accidents and athletic events, eventually helping all states and federal programs to better treat and prevent the injury.

As a part of the program, volunteers diagnosed with a TBI “will undergo four annual MRI brain scans, along with physical, cognitive and speech tests to monitor how brain activity can be altered by suffering head trauma.” Many of the study’s volunteers have injuries for more than 20 years, so the study will be crucial at finding what common effects can take place later in life as a traumatic brain injury is sustained.

Life after traumatic brain injury

It’s been well-known that brain injury has taken an large effect on those who participant in potentially health-hazardous sports like boxing. For instance, it’s been long suspected that the health of boxing great Muhammed Ali has deteriorated considerably as a result of his long-term traumatic injuries. The famous fighter has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a possible after-effect of intense battles from within the ring.

“The hypothesis is that we will find changes — be it in a brain scan, blood flow, brain fiber sheathing or the size of the brain — that will allow us to establish objective markers for ongoing damage [and] to inform the fighter where he stands,” said the neurologist leading the study.

For those who have been diagnosed with a TBI, or if you suspect you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury, it’s important to take action quickly, especially for individuals injured in a car accident. Many individuals turn to the help of an experienced personal injury attorney for legal counsel in the event they suspect they may have experienced a TBI. Why? A brain injury lawyer can help you gain fair financial recovery, in addition to handling your insurance claim with expert care. Unfortunately, it’s been our experience that insurance companies will rush injured people into a quick, less-than-fair settlement – but know that once a settlement has been signed off and accepted, you may not be able to recover for future injury or illness as a result of your accident.

To discuss your personal injury case, call the accident lawyers at the Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC. at 1-858-551-2090 or submit your case online. The consultation is free of charge, and we don’t collect until you do.