Many researchers are struggling to understand the extent of damage caused by traumatic brain injury, which can result in a huge change to a person’s personality and lifestyle.
In a study conducted by researchers from Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, they found that 45 per cent of homeless men who participated in the research had suffered from traumatic brain injury (TBI), whether it was from an assault, sports injury, fall or motor vehicle accidents. Also, for 87 per cent of these men, the TBI event happened before they became homeless.
For these men, 60 per cent of TBI were a result of an assault, 44 per cent were a result of sports and 42 per cent were a result of a fall or a motor vehicle collision.
This research shows that it’s important to monitor young people who suffer TBIs for changes to their health and behaviour, says lead researcher Dr. Jane Topolovec-Vranic.
“You have a concussion, and you can’t concentrate or focus. Their thinking abilities and personalities change. They can’t manage at work, and they may lose their job, and eventually lose their families. And then it’s a negative spiral,” Topolovec-Vranic told Yahoo News.
The study recruited 111 homeless men from a downtown Toronto men’s shelter, who were between the ages of 27 to 81 years old.
While other studies show some the drastic changes to a person’s personality from a TBI. Research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that half of youth (between the age of 16 to 18) in New York City’s jails reported to having suffered from a TBI before they were sent to prison. Also, inmates who’ve suffered from a TBI are more likely to break the jail’s rules, an expert on head injuries told the Associated Press.
A University of Toronto study found that teens who had a TBI in the past had double the chances of being a victim of bullying or cyberbullying and had triple the risk of attempting suicide. Those who suffer from a TBI are also more likely to demonstrate delinquent behaviour including becoming bullies, carrying a weapon, damage property, take anti-depression medication, break and enter and sell marijuana.
The shooter in the deadly Fort Hood shooting in April was reported by media to have self-reported TBI. While doctors remain unsure whether Formula One racer Michael Schumacher will be able to make a full recovery.
If you have had an accident and are now coping with a brain injury, your life has drastically changed. It’s important for you to focus on your recovery and let Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers be there to help you. We have handled all types of injuries for over 40 years. We understand the impacts they can have on you and we can help fight your case. Call us at 416-920-4242. Set up a free consultation and come chat with us.