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TBI Study Reveals Long-Lasting Sleep Issues

A recent CBS news article details a study of the effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which are common injuries that an individual suffers in motor vehicle accidents. As a result, TBI is often one of the injuries that makes up a personal injury claim. In fact, TBI appears to be increasing worldwide and constitutes about 30% of all deaths from injuries. Given the potential severity of TBI, which can have lifelong implications for the injury victim, it is essential to keep up on the research regarding TBI and how it can impact the victim on a daily and indefinite basis.

The study in question is the longest prospective and most comprehensive research on TBI and its effects to date. It also provides the only objective evidence to date about the sleep aftereffects of TBI. The American Academy of Neurology found through its study that TBI victims typically have no idea just how severely TBI affects their regular sleep patterns. The study results indicate that TBI victims may experience sleep disruption for up to one-and-a-half years following their injuries. About 67% of the TBI victims studied suffered excessive daytime sleepiness, whereas only 19% of non-TBI or healthy individuals experienced the same level of sleepiness. When asked how tired the individuals felt, however, the TBI victims were no more likely to report sleepiness during the day than the health individuals. Additionally, the severity of the TBI appeared to have no effect on sleep disturbance levels. An individual who suffered an extremely severe TBI had no higher levels of sleep disturbance than an individual who suffered only a mild TBI. The study’s authors, however, noted that additional research is necessary before any new recommendations or guidelines regarding sleep disturbances and TBI.

When an accident causes a traumatic brain injury or other types of serious injuries to you or a loved one, the impact can be devastating. Although some accidents are just that – accidents – others are caused by the negligence of another, such as an inattentive or distracted driver. If you are in this situation, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Call Bonner & Vaughan today and learn how our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys can advocate on your behalf.