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Archive for October, 2010

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury – Slim Hope

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Some people believe that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can help heal Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). This treatment involves a patient inside a hyperbaric chamber, which has been pressurized to greater than 1 atmosphere. The patient then inhales 100 percent oxygen, as opposed to the 21 percent we normally breathe. The chamber induces both mechanical and physiological effects. However, the length of time the individual is in the chamber, how often the treatment is given, and the number of total sessions has not been set in stone.

Brain injury can be caused by traumatic physical force, bleeding inside or around the brain, rapid movement of the head, lack of oxygen to the brain, or even toxic substances that pass through the blood-brain barrier. Individuals who experience a traumatic brain injury may suffer from temporary or even permanent impairment of cognitive, emotional, and/or physical functioning.

How It Works

In a normal individual outside an HBOT chamber, oxygen is only carried by red blood cells. When the patient is inside the chamber, however, the oxygen is delivered to all areas of the human body, especially those that are in need of extra oxygen. The treatment helps white blood cells fight bacteria. It also allows new blood vessels to grow in areas that were affected by injury more efficiently, as it helps reduce the swelling of the surrounding tissues. (more…)

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Health Journal Editorial Profile

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Brain Injury Law Center Founder Stephen Smith was recently profiled in The Health Journal.

Interview By PAGE BISHOP-FREER

As the nation’s foremost brain injury litigator, Stephen Smith has built his 36-year legal career upon a thorough understanding of the human mind. But after speaking with the famed attorney, it’s clear that his dedication to his clients comes straight from the heart. Here are excerpts from Smith’s recent interview with The Health Journal.

Read the interview here!

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Sleep Disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

$fractal mushroom$ When a person suffers from traumatic brain injury (TBI), one of the most common and significant side effects the patient can experience is a sleep disorder. TBI causes the biological and electrical rhythm of sleep to be interrupted. The patient may experience difficulty sleeping, an altered or changing sleep pattern, or even the need to sleep for unusually short or long periods after the injury has occurred. A traumatic brain injury also affects an individual’s ability to control their breathing, dreaming, and leg movements during sleep.

Current Studies

Recently, researchers have found that almost half of those who are suffering from a traumatic brain injury may have a sleep disorder, with the leading cause being obstructive sleep apnea. Another study concluded that after a traumatic brain injury has occurred, especially a mild injury, individuals often experience sleep disturbance, complicating recovery from the injury as well as relief from the symptoms. Currently, researchers are coming to the realization that mild traumatic brain injuries are more likely to result in sleep disorders than severe injuries. (more…)

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Xenon May Prevent Brain Injury

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Xenon gas has recently shown promising results in treating a brain injury, particularly in infants. Newborns may suffer a brain injury during birth due to trauma to the child’s head. Neglect, irresponsibility, or poor decisions on behalf of the physician delivering the child, or any situation that disrupts the flow of oxygen and blood to the infant’s brain are other circumstances that may lead to a traumatic brain injury.

While doctors use various methods and medications to try to reverse the effects of brain injury, the trauma may be temporary or it may cause lifelong disabilities. Currently, British researchers have used Xenon gas to treat brain injury, and they have been noting promising results.

About Xenon Gas

Xenon gas is found in miniscule amounts in the atmosphere. It exists as a tasteless, odorless, colorless, noncombustible substance. It is extremely expensive to single out and procure this non-toxic gas. Xenon has been used as a general anesthetic for more than 50 years and studies show that patients who receive it as an anesthetic tend to experience a fewer number of side effects compared to individuals who received other commonly used treatments. (more…)

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A 10-foot mermaid made by artist MarieAnn Messina and sponsored by The Brain Injury Law Center appears at Home-A-Rama in Norfolk, VA.

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

The mermaid will be on display from October 16-31, 2010, at the Charity House at the Tidewater Builders Association’s Fall 2010 Homearama in Norfolk’s East Beach community. Following Homearama, the mermaid will be relocated to St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children to be enjoyed by the children and their families.

MarieAnn Messina
Artistry by MarieAnn
www.ArtistryByMarieAnn.com