October 24, 2018 | Brain and Spinal Injury,Car Accidents
While a car accident can cause many injuries, one of the most common—and perhaps, most concerning—is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that traffic accidents were the third-leading cause of TBI among all age groups in the United States. Car accident victims can sustain a TBI from hitting their heads on the interior of the car or even from the jolt of the head caused by the impact.
Recent research indicates that TBIs tend to affect men and women in different ways. Specifically, a TBI may harm the female reproductive system. Depending on the location of the injury on the brain and the severity of the damage, different women will experience different reproductive symptoms after a TBI. The following are only two examples of how a car accident can result in reproductive issues.
Menstrual cycles. Your pituitary gland makes the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle and allow you to have regular periods. After a traumatic brain injury, the pituitary gland may not function as it should, and it may produce substantially lower levels of hormones than usual. This can result in missed periods, as well as increased pain when you do have a period.
In addition, stress and medications can take a toll on your menstrual cycle. The aftermath of a car accident and dealing with injuries can result in extreme stress, which can cause changes in your hormone levels and, in turn, your cycle. Medications may also cause you to miss periods, so you should always discuss possible side effects with the prescribing doctor. Disruptions to your menstrual cycle can devastate women trying to get pregnant or trying to avoid becoming pregnant.
Pregnancy and childbirth. While research does not necessarily indicate any new fertility problems that occur directly due to a TBI, a woman can experience increased problems after having a baby while suffering from a TBI. Such problems can include:
A TBI can increase a victim’s risk for depression, anxiety, and negative feelings about oneself. When a woman is post-partum, the risk for dangerous depression or anxiety will increase significantly. All women who suffer a TBI in a car accident and then give birth should seek appropriate medical and mental support in case such symptoms arise.
TBI is only one of many potential car accident injuries to women. No matter what type of injury you sustain, attorney Merry Fountain is here to help.
Marion County l injury lawyer Merry Fountain is a skilled injury advocate. If you are looking for a brain injury lawyer in the greater Indy area—Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, Kokomo, Lebanon—she’s here to help. Call her anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878), or simply click Tell Us About Your Case for a free consultation.