Brain Injury Researchers Study Simple Polymer Method

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley

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.

When administered within four hours of the injury, the treatment showed success, according to the study; however, when delayed by only a few additional hours the treatment was unsuccessful. 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

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* 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. The following are a list of TBI-induced disabilities according to the NINDS:

* 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.” Scientists also believe that when used correctly, the polymer may also be able to treat spinal cord injuries as well. 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. While the polymer is a successful treatment used with intravenous therapy, details surrounding the method continue to be studied by scientists.

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.

Individuals who have suffered from TBI should get assistance from an experienced medical professional. Contacting a knowledgeable brain injury lawyer will provide assistance to a TBI victim on developing a potential brain injury lawsuit. If a TBI lawsuit is developed, monetary compensation may be a potential outcome.