Traumatic Brain Injury Severity Reduced with Contraceptive Pill

Individuals who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may see the severity of their injuries reduced by the administration of a progesterone, which is used in contraceptive pills for women.

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The study was published in a BioMed Central's Critical Care and stated that "preliminary animal and human studies suggest that progesterone, which is a female hormone used in the oral contraceptive pill, could be a useful and safe way to treat acute severe TBI, but its neuroprotective effects are unclear."

The research was conducted by the Hangzhou Normal University and Zhejiang University in Hangzhou. Science Daily reported that the study followed 159 TBI participants in a "randomized, double-blind trial with approximately half of the patients receiving progesterone and the other half placebo for five days after brain injury".

Occurrence of Brain Injury in U.S.

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) reported that, "TBI is a growing public health problem in the U.S. military and civilian populations."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are 1.4 million incidence of TBI that occur annually, approximately 50,000 result in death and another 80,000 to 90,000 result in a disability. Additionally, the CDC stated that nearly 5.3 million U.S. citizens, both adults and children, currently suffer from a condition stemming from such an incident.

There are several physical, cognitive and behavioral issues associated with a TBI incident, according to the BIAA. The physical challenges that linger after TBI incidence include the following:

• Balance, mobility
• Motor coordination
• Headaches
• Fatigue, weakness
• Hearing, vision loss/impairment
• Sensory loss
• Epilepsy/seizures
• Sexual dysfunction

In addition to these TBI side effects the list of cognitive challenges include the following:

• Memory
• Problem solving
• Decision making/judgment
• Speed at which things are processed
• Organization, planning skills
• Attention, concentration
• Initiation
• Speech, language

Finally, the BIAA reported on the list of behavioral difficulties commonly associated with a traumatic brain injury. The list includes:

• Lowered self-esteem
• Difficulty relating to others
• Frustration
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Aggression
• Dis-inihibition
• Lack of emotional control

TBI Diagnosis

Individuals who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury diagnosis can learn more about their condition by contacting an experienced neurologists or medical physician.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.