New study reveals link between diet and traumatic brain injury
Life can change in an instant for Los Angeles residents. When a car accident occurs, for example, the brief moment of impact can lead to a lifetime of consequences for those injured in the incident.
This is certainly the case for those who suffer a traumatic brain injury, which frequently occurs after a sudden impact like a car crash. A brain injury can be very complicated to treat, as new discoveries are still being made every day as to the impacts of such injuries.
A new study by UCLA neuroscientists, for instance, uncovered a link between a person’s brain health and nutrition. The study found that a diet high in processed fructose had a harmful effect on the brain’s reparative ability after a head trauma was suffered. The fructose had an impact on the ability of neurons to communicate with each other, as well as the brain’s ability to make memories and produce energy. The pathways between brain cells were impacted by fructose, leading the scientists to conclude that those with traumatic brain injuries could face obstacles with a high fructose diet.
Ultimately, the study is just another example of how complicated it can be to recover from a traumatic brain injury. Individuals who have suffered this type of serious injury face complications in virtually every area of life. The injury impacts their ability to work and engage in basic daily activities.
In light of these effects, it is important that injured persons be given the chance to recover as fully as possible. The treatment, therapy and medical expenses can last for years, or even decades, after a traumatic brain injury. Accordingly, the award of damages in a negligence case needs to reflect the true cost of suffering such an injury, both on an economic scale and in light of the quality of life that is impacted.
Source: UCLA Newsroom, “High-fructose diet hampers recovery from traumatic brain injury,” Elaine Schmidt, Oct. 2, 2015