New Link Found Traumatic Brain Injury Victims and Homelessness
According to a new study, individuals who sustain traumatic brain injuries are more likely to wind up becoming homeless, compared to other individuals who have not sustained injuries of this nature.
Even more alarming, the majority of individuals who wound up homeless sustained the injury immediately before losing their homes.
Findings from the Study
Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital analyzed data pertaining to brain injury victims. The data included a review of scientific studies that were based on homeless individuals and brain injuries. The review found that anywhere between 8 and 53 percent of the homeless individuals assessed had sustained traumatic brain injuries.
Although many homeless individuals appeared to have sustained a traumatic brain injury, the extent of their injuries is generally unknown. Some of the injuries that were observed were considered minor, while others were considered serious. Furthermore, the long-term consequences stemming from these injuries may also be unknown due to the subjects’ lack of healthcare access and monitoring.
Implications of the Study
The study was published in the journal BMC Public Health. Its publishers believe that by finding a link between brain injuries and homelessness, healthcare providers and others may be able to identify and prevent these injuries from occurring. Furthermore, by reducing the number of brain injuries, financial resources could be saved and drastic long-term consequences would be reduced.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Individuals may sustain traumatic brain injuries for a variety of reasons. However, most of these injuries form as a result of blow or a jolt to the head. Other traumatic brain injuries occur when the head is penetrated.
Long-Term Implications of Traumatic Brain Injuries
An individual who sustains a traumatic brain injury may face several significant consequences. Physical consequences often result, such as a change in mental status, unconsciousness or amnesia. Traumatic brain injury victims may also suffer from long-term memory loss, problems concentrating, poor ability to pay attention and cognitive difficulties. These injuries can cause problems in the victims’ interpersonal relationships and with retaining jobs.
Call Today and Put the Injury Law Team of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk to Work for You!
If you or a loved one has suffered from a brain injury, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Tampa injury lawyer.