Researchers at the University of Alabama are testing a new drug that they hope will greatly lessen the amount of brain damage that occurs after a head trauma. The goal is to provide medical staff and emergency responders with a way to administer first aid to a patient that has suffered a brain injuries moments after it happens. The researchers say that this will significantly reduce the long-term effects of the injury.
When a person suffers from severe head trauma, the brain damage continues long after the initial blow. Researchers compared this to a fire that gradually grows in intensity. The new drug, called oxidoreductase, has been shown to drastically diminish subsequent brain damage in tests on mice. The University of Alabama team hopes to have their initial testing done in six months or so, which will pave the way for trials on human subjects.
The research was funded by a grant from NFL Charities. The long term impact of repetitive concussions suffered by football players has been receiving increased media attention, and the treatment of head injuries sustained in contact sports will be an important use of the new drug. It will also be a great help to EMT crews treating people injured in car accidents and military medics on the battlefield. The method for delivering the drug has not been decided. Options being considered include an inhaler and a topical cream.
People with traumatic brain injuries face prolonged treatment and physical therapy, and many suffer emotional and physical handicaps that last a lifetime. If these injuries are caused by the negligence of others, legal remedies are available. A personal injury attorney with experience in this area may be able to secure monetary damages for victims of brain injuries. This could be used to provide the necessary medical treatment, or to compensate them for their pain and suffering.
Source: AL.com, “What if you could ease concussion brain damage with inhaler or rub-on cream? Alabama researcher on it“, Mike Oliver, October 09, 2013
