A recent issue of The Journal of Biological Engineering highlighted the work of two scientists from Purdue University who have been studying the effects of a simple polymer on treating traumatic brain injured (TBI) patients. The scientists were using sterile water mixed with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and injecting the mixture into recently injured TBI victims, in this case injured rats.

According to the study, the mixture was highly effective when administered within four hours of the brain injury occurring, however, if the treatment was delayed by only two additional hours it became ineffective. The study highlights a potential treatment for TBI victims. The treatment may be able to stop and potentially reverse the severe brain injury side effects that can occur after such an injury.

Damaging TBI Complications

Victims of TBI may have side effects including the following, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS):

* seizures

* hydrocephalus

* post-traumatic ventricular enlargement

* CSF leaks

* infections

* vascular injuries

* cranial nerve injuries

* bed sores

* pain

* multiple organ system failure

* polytrauma, also known as trauma to other parts of the body and brain

* pulmonary dysfunction

* cardiovascular dysfunction

* gastrointestinal dysfunction

* hormonal imbalances

* fractures

* nerve damage

* deep vein thrombosis

There are an additional list of disabilities that can be caused by a traumatic brain injury. When complications occur as a result of a brain injury, they can be damaging and potentially irreversible problems. NINDS reported the following disabilities as common among TBI victims:

* Cognition difficulties including thinking, memory, reasoning
Sensory processing problems that may involve sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch

* Difficulty expressing and understanding communication

* Behavioral and mental health issues may occur including depression, anxiety, personality changes, social inappropriateness, acting out or increased aggression

* Additionally, the following types of conditions have also occurred among brain injury victims:

* Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA)- can be retrograde or anterograde

* Non-fluent aphasia in which a TBI patient can not recall words or has difficulty speaking in complete sentences

* Dysarthria occurs when a patient "knows the appropriate language but cannot easily speak the words because they are unable to use the muscles needed to form the words," according to NINDS

* Alzheimer's disease has been linked to TBI patients

* Parkinson's disease or additional complications with motor skills

* Post-traumatic dementia

* Dementia pugilistica, which is a common condition among boxers

Polymer Treatment Investigated

According to the study, PEG acts as a neuroprotective agent among damaged membranes specifically within the "white matter of the corpus callosum." When used appropriately, the "salutary effects of PEG" can also be used to repair spinal cord injuries. The polymer offers damaged membranes repair in:

* physiological function

* permanent repair of membrane damage

* reduction of the size of "progressive cavitation"

* inhibition of "free radical production"

While the polymer appeared to work extremely well when administered to those with brain injuries, the concern arose within the study that the polymer can only treat victims within the initial four hours of their injury. Scientists with the study continue to explore better solutions to this issue, but feel that the polymer, used via an intravenous therapy, may offer some individuals a life-saving treatment, although further research is needed, according to the study.

Living With A Brain Injury

The conditions and side effects associated with a brain injury vary based on the individual and the severity of their injury. Millions of Americans are affected by TBI each year, and millions of these patients continue to live with their condition, many of whom are not ever treated for TBI and remain unaware of the potential TBI risks.

Although a number of individuals go untreated for TBI, if an individual has been injured and may be suffering from a brain injury it is important to have the injury double checked by a medical professional. It is important for an individual to locate an experienced medical attorney, one specializing in personal injury, who can offer a free consultation on the development of a traumatic brain injury lawsuit. Such litigation may provide monetary compensation as an award for damages endured and could assist a TBI patient with paying for expensive medical bills associated with their condition.