Hitting Your Head Could Increase Your Risk For Stroke

When you suffer a serious injury to your head, it's not just about the immediate challenges. Recent research suggests that, regardless of how severe the head injury is, it might increase the chances of experiencing a specific kind of stroke later on. We already knew that TBIs could affect memory, thinking, and lead to other mental health issues, but now it seems there might be a connection to circulatory-related problems. Understanding this link is crucial, and it suggests that if you've had a head injury, taking steps to prevent strokes, like managing cholesterol or blood pressure, could be important for your overall health.

New research highlights a concerning connection between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and the increased risk of older adults suffering ischemic strokes, a common type of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain. The study, presented at the American Neurological Association's annual meeting, analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, involving 12,813 U.S. adults over 30 years. The research found a 32% higher rate of ischemic stroke in individuals with a history of head injuries and a 94% greater chance for those with two or more head injuries, as compared to those with none. While the study suggests a potential link, some experts emphasize the need for further evidence to establish causation.

How can a TBI increase your risk of stroke?

A TBI can increase the risk of stroke through various mechanisms, although the exact processes are not fully understood.

Here are some ways in which a TBI may contribute to an elevated risk of stroke:

• Vascular changes: TBIs can lead to changes in the blood vessels in and around the brain. Injury-related damage to blood vessels may disrupt normal blood flow, potentially creating conditions conducive to the formation of blood clots.
• Inflammation: Head injuries often trigger an inflammatory response, both locally in the brain and systemically throughout the body. Inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which is a risk factor for stroke.
• Changes in blood pressure: TBIs may impact blood pressure regulation. Fluctuations in blood pressure can influence the risk of stroke, especially if there are persistent issues with hypertension (high blood pressure) or other blood pressure abnormalities.
• Secondary injuries: TBIs can result in secondary injuries, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain. Depending on the location and severity of these secondary injuries, they may further affect blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.

It's important to note that while early research suggests an association between TBIs and an increased risk of stroke, the relationship is complex and may involve a combination of factors. Additionally, individual responses to TBIs can vary, and not everyone who experiences a TBI will necessarily suffer a stroke.

What does this mean for you?

If the sort of head trauma you have experienced has been from bumping into a cabinet or something similarly minor, you may not face an increased risk of stroke due to TBI. While the Washington Post article shared the research that demonstrated how TBIs could lead to a stroke, it also showed what some experts had to say on what sort of head injury might increase the risk of stroke:

Andrew E. Budson, Chief of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology and Associate Chief of Staff for Education at the VA Boston Healthcare System, who was not involved in the study, said that it was unclear how the scientists defined a TBI.

“My suspicion is that the TBI had to be significant and wouldn’t be relevant to people who hit their heads on cabinet doors or children who play soccer,” he said.

If you have never suffered a severe TBI, it is important to take precautions not only to keep yourself from suffering a horrible head injury and all the complications that come with that, but to keep you from increasing your risk of stroke as well.

If you have suffered a TBI in your past, Holly Elser, an epidemiologist and resident physician in The Neurology Residency Program at the University of Pennsylvania who conducted the study researching the correlation between TBIs and strokes suggests that “individuals with head injur[ies] may benefit from evidence-based stroke prevention methods such as lowering blood cholesterol levels or blood pressure if they are elevated.”

The facts about TBIs

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant public health concern, with over 69,000 TBI-related deaths reported in the United States in 2021. Falls, firearms use, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and sports-related trauma contribute to TBI occurrences. Among Americans aged 65 and older, falls are particularly common, affecting one in four individuals annually. These falls result in over 800,000 emergency department visits, and one in five cases lead to serious injuries such as broken hips, fractures, or head trauma. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in this age group. The study emphasizes the long-term impact of head injuries, highlighting the need for preventive measures, including fall risk assessment, assistive devices for those at risk, and broader strategies like seat belt laws and helmet use for activities such as cycling. Older adults are encouraged to discuss fall risk with their physicians and adopt appropriate preventive measures.

If you have suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence (whether that be in a car accident, a motorcycle accident, or an accident at work), the experienced attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. know exactly how to address your case so that you are not stuck paying thousands of dollars for your injury.  For more information about our services, or to schedule a free consultation at one of our many office locations here in Maryland, please call us or contact us today.