Head Injury May Cause Dementia

I recently found an article on WebMD that I think is relevant to some workers’ compensation injuries.  Employees in warehouse jobs, construction, welding and related types of jobs are exposed to this risk.  Any time an object from overhead could fall or tip over, it could result in a head injury.  Interestingly, and unfortunately, a head injury may cause dementia.

Most of us associate dementia with aging.  However, the brain is a complicated organ.  Scientists are constantly discovering new issues and complicated relationships involving brain functions.  What we now know is that head trauma can lead to various types of cognitive problems.

According to the WebMD article, “between 400,000 and 500,000 people are hospitalized in the US every year for head injuries.”  This number doesn’t include those who have sustained an injury, but don’t seek medical treatment.

Dementia caused by an injury doesn’t seem to worsen over time.  In many cases, it actually improves.  However, improvement may take years and could result an inability for you to perform your normal job.

Approximately 55% of civilian head injuries are caused by falls and/or blunt trauma.  Again, certain jobs and job-requirements often place Kentucky workers at risk for head injuries.

The fact that a head injury may cause dementia is another reason you and your family members need to be on the lookout for common signs:

• Memory problems
• Inability or lack of concentration
• Problems with communication
• Changes in personality
• Changes Mood or Behavior
• Headaches
• Insomnia, and more

Dementia is a serious condition.  It can be misdiagnosed simply because, like other brain injuries, the family or co-workers notice the change, but don’t think to bring it up.  This condition can place you and others at risk.

If the head injury occurred on the job, you need to make sure you undergo a thorough exam.  You may need to see a specialist, such as a neurologist.  Under Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Law, you’re entitled to see a doctor of your choosing.  Don’t simply rely on a nurse who happens to work at the facility.  Head injuries can be extremely serious and the symptoms may take several days or more to fully develop.

As an experienced Kentucky workers’ comp attorney, please let me offer the following advice.  If you’ve recently been injured, make sure people around you know that a head injury may cause dementia.  They may be the first ones to spot some of the symptoms mentioned above.  Seek medical treatment, immediately.