Some people who have head injuries have no symptoms that indicate danger. Later, they show signs of an impending stroke. A brain injury, minor or severe, can increase the risk of developing a stroke. There are several risk factors that Virginia doctors look for in their stroke and brain injury patients.
Brain injury may lead to a stroke
A brain injury that occurred several years ago may increase the risk of a stroke. An injury can restrict the flow of blood to parts of the brain and increase the risks of internal bleeding. A head injury that occurs later can develop into a sudden stroke.
Link to TBI
Neurological studies have proven that patients who have a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to have a stroke than people who have had no TBI. The risks for a stroke decrease over time but remain high after five years or longer. In addition to a stroke, a traumatic brain injury can develop into Alzheimer’s disease.
Other health problems
In addition to stroke, studies have proven that injuries to the head and brain can develop into Alzheimer’s disease. Many cases of undiagnosed, untreated head injuries have led to sudden death. Therefore, patients who have a history of head injury are closely monitored and required to undergo regular checkups.
A stroke occurs when blood flow is restricted to certain parts of the brain. The risk of having one increases after a traumatic brain injury occurs, even if the patient receives the most effective medical treatments. A number of serious neurological conditions are proven to have developed in injury patients.