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.

The research, which was published in BioMed Central's Critical Care and reported on by Science Daily, found 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. The scientists followed 159 TBI patients in a "randomized, double-blinded trial approximately half the patients received progesterone and the other half placebo for five days after brain injury," according to reports from Science Daily.

Occurrence of Brain Injury in U.S.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), "TBI is a growing public health problem in the U.S. military and civilian populations." Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that of the 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 from their brain injury. The CDC also reported that approximately 5.3 million U.S. citizens, both adults and children, currently suffer from a condition stemming from a traumatic brain injury.

The BIAA reported several physical, cognitive and behavioral challenges often associated with a brain injury. 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/judgement
• the 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
• disinihibition
• 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. Additionally, by locating a knowledgeable traumatic brain injury attorney as it may necessary to develop litigation related to a TBI case. To better understand the details surrounding a TBI lawsuit, a personal injury attorney will likely provide a free consultation as to the circumstances surrounding such litigation.