New York City residents who have suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident such as falling at a construction site at work or being involved in a car crash may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. War veterans who have suffered TBIs while in combat may be eligible for additional disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Although these injuries are very serious and can cause permanent damage, individuals will only be awarded disability benefits if they have sufficient medical evidence to prove that they suffer from the debilitating neurological condition.
TBIs occur when one suffers physical trauma to the head. Damage resulting from the injury can vary. Some individuals experience frequent vomiting and headaches, others might develop speech impediments or cognitive impairments. Researchers have also speculated that TBIs can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can cause a person to suffer further mental impairments and lead to a permanent disability if the individual has not already been deemed disabled by a TBI. Now it appears that new research may back this theory, possibly making it easier for doctors to diagnose, treat and prevent PTSD and TBIs.
Individuals who suffer from PTSD are eligible for SSDI benefits. Unfortunately, this disorder is also difficult to diagnose which can delay the approval of one's benefits. It has long been known that veterans are susceptible to developing PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event in battle. Other individuals such as rape victims may develop the disorder as well.
PTSD can cause nightmares, paranoia, flashbacks, and angry outbursts. These are painful and concerning symptoms to live with, but if PTSD can be linked to TBIs, more individuals may finally be properly diagnosed with the debilitating condition.
Last month, scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles published their findings regarding the link between TBIs and PTSD. Researchers studied rats that had suffered TBIs and monitored their reactions to fearful stimulus. Researchers then monitored the reactions of uninjured rats to the same stimulus. Rats that suffered brain injuries displayed more fear compared to rats that did not have TBIs. Scientists then studied brain tissue from the rats. Those with TBIs had more receptors for neurotransmitters in the amygdala, the part of the brain that regulates one's emotional responses.
Although the study was conducted in rats, researchers concluded that TBIs may cause receptors to multiply in the amygdala, thereby, increasing an individual's risk of developing PTSD.
Source: WIRED, "Blasts to the Head 'Primed' Brains for PTSD, Study Says," Katie Drummond, Feb. 22, 2012