Why traumatic brain injury affects women more than men

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, affects women more severely than men.

Women are more likely to experience a mild TBI, also known as a concussion, as a result of domestic violence, falls or car accidents.

The Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, defines concussion as a brain injury after a hit to the head or body causing the brain to move back and forth inside the skull. Brain injuries are often underdiagnosed but can have long-lasting effects on cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning.

Research has shown that women may have a higher susceptibility to TBI due to hormonal and physiological differences, which can affect their recovery from the injury. Although there is a link between TBI and women, little is known why.

In a recent article Ann McKee, MD, director of the Boston traumatic encephalopathy center was quoted as saying: “We do not have enough information about what happens to the female brain. We don’t know if women are biologically more susceptible to these injuries”

Women are more susceptible to worse symptoms than men. Women have a far greater risk of cognitive decline, headaches, and other symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, as well as fertility injuries as their pituitary and hypothalamus are located at the base of the skull. These glands control hormones and are a part of a traumatic brain injury.

Unfortunately, there is also a link between head injury and sui- cide. Although suicide is rare, the risk of suicide doubled as reported in a 2018 JAMA Neurology article.

Robert Cantù, a clinical professor of neurology for the center for the study of traumatic encephalopathy at Boston University School of Medicine, said that there are several theories as to why the incidence of suicide is higher in people who have suffered concussion, including behavioral dysregulation.

It is important for women to become aware of any symptoms they experience after a head injury. As many practitioners are unfamiliar with how these injuries manifest in women, they are less likely to give proper medical attention or support for their recovery.

Therefore, it is important for women to be aware of any problems they experience and notify their doctors of symptoms they are experiencing. Any depression should also be noted and reported to loved ones.

Head injuries are serious injuries and should not be ignored. Our office recommends that people who have been in an accident and diagnosed with a concussion do not ignore symptoms. It is important to seek treatment from physicians and follow recommended treatment.

For a more comprehensive analysis about head injuries and their symptoms, go to www.gabrainlaw.com

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attorney.”