Traumatic brain injuries are occurring more often in female victims, particularly those who are in high school. A previous uptick in the number of traumatic injuries experienced by boys occurred in recent history but began to decline in 2012.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Women
A primary cause of traumatic brain injuries experienced by young girls and female teenagers is accidents associated with sports and other recreational events. Data suggests that traumatic brain injuries are the most common cause of fatalities in young children up to the age of 4 as well as older children between the ages of 15 to 19. These injuries are also the most common cause of disabilities for these groups.
Female Injury Victims Require More Time to Heal
Studies show that female victims require a longer recovery period after suffering concussions and other head injuries. Some of the symptoms women find last longer than boys include nausea, fatigue, headaches, and irritability. On average, women experience symptoms for an additional 17 days more than men. Studies show that one reason why this happens is those female victims can more accurately describe their symptoms. This, however, is not the entirety of the explanation.
The Menstrual Cycle and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Additional research has drawn a link between the time it takes a woman to recover from a traumatic brain injury and the stage of the menstrual cycle she is in when the accident occurs. Women often heal at a slower rate when their injury happens two weeks before they experience a period. This is because progesterone levels during this time are their lowest. Research suggests that taking birth control pills could result in female victims needing longer to recover from brain injuries, as well.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Female Victims
When children strike their heads as a result of accidents or other events, parents should do their best to remain observant of any symptoms whether they arise immediately or months later. Some of the most substantial symptoms connected to traumatic brain injuries involve insomnia, headaches, anxiety, nausea, and blurred vision. It is critical to remain observant of traumatic brain injury symptoms up to several months or even years after a child has suffered a head injury even if the injury does not seem serious.
The Absence of Studies Involving Women and Traumatic Brain Injuries
A great deal of what we understand about brain injuries is the result of impairments experienced by athletes in the National Football League, a sporting division in which there are no women. Not only are there no women in this league, but the difficulty of applying the findings of these studies to the greater population is that players in the National Football League are elite athletes and not part of the general population. A great deal of additional research into the subject of unique issues faced by women with traumatic brain injuries is needed.
Speak With an Experienced Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one incurs a traumatic brain injury and another party is responsible, you should not hesitate to speak with a skilled attorney. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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