Higher Risk of Epilepsy for Soldiers with Brain Injuries
Topic: Psychological Disorders
Author: American Academy of Neurology
Published: 2010/07/19
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Soldiers with brain injuries at higher risk of epilepsy decades later.
Introduction
Soldiers with brain injuries at higher risk of epilepsy decades later.Main Item
Soldiers who receive traumatic brain injuries during war may be at a higher risk of epilepsy even decades after the brain injury occurred. The new research is published in the July 20, 2010, print issue of Neurology ®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
"Given the better chances of survival in soldiers fighting in conflicts today, our research suggests that all veterans with a traumatic brain injury should be routinely screened for post-traumatic epilepsy, even decades after the injury," said study author Jordan Grafman, PhD, of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, Md.
Post-traumatic epilepsy is the most common cause of new-onset epilepsy in young adults, with nearly 30,000 new cases per year in the United States.
For the study, researchers asked 199 veterans who experienced a brain injury 35 years prior whether they ever had a seizure. They were also given intelligence tests. The group underwent scans to detect brain lesions.
Of the 199 people, about 44 percent developed post-traumatic epilepsy.
"For a surprising 13 percent, the post-traumatic epilepsy didn't show up until more than 14 years after the brain injury," said Grafman. "This research strongly suggests that veterans with brain injury will require long-term neurology care."
The study also found that the type of seizure changed over time, often becoming more severe (or causing loss of consciousness).
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 22,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as epilepsy, dystonia, migraine, Huntington's disease, and dementia.
For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit www.aan.com
Explore Related Topics
1 - Does Daylight Saving Time Trigger Unhealthy Habits? - Researchers explore whether the onset of daylight saving time leads consumers to engage in unhealthy behaviors.
2 - Comparing Rates of Mental Illness and Gun Violence in U.S., Australia, and U.K. - Comparison between Australia and the U.K. indicates mental illness is not a major contributor to increasing trends in death from gun violence in the U.S.
3 - Body Integrity Identification Disorder, Transabled, or Transability - Transability is the desire or the need for a person identified as able-bodied by other people to transform his or her body to obtain a physical impairment.
4 - Gaming Disorder Disability: Video Game Addiction (VGA) - Information regarding video game addiction, a problematic, compulsive use of video games resulting in significant inability to function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time.
5 - Growing Evidence That Mentally Ill Youths Become Less Healthy Adults - Studies suggest mental health struggles in early life can lead to poorer physical health and advanced aging in adulthood.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): American Academy of Neurology. (2010, July 19). Higher Risk of Epilepsy for Soldiers with Brain Injuries. Disabled World. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/psychological/ptsd-epilepsy.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/psychological/ptsd-epilepsy.php">Higher Risk of Epilepsy for Soldiers with Brain Injuries</a>: Soldiers with brain injuries at higher risk of epilepsy decades later.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.