In an October 2008 issue of Neurosurgery scientists revealed that a new treatment known as Oxycyte may "improve cognitive recovery" and have protective effects on the brain's neurons among individuals who have suffered from a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI).

According to the study, conducted by individuals from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, scientists divided injured animals into two groups, with one group receiving high doses of Oxycyte and 100 percent oxygen and another group receiving low doses of Oxycyte with 100 percent oxygen, while a control group received saline.

The researchers found that both groups that received either low or high doses of the treatment had "significant improvement in ability to learn and function in a standard maze when compared with injured saline control animals." While the studies are reporting positive and life-altering affects from the drug, scientists believe additional studies are necessary before the drug should be administered to TBI victims on the market.

Cognitive Repair and TBI

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reported that approximately 200,000 individuals die each year from brain-injury related incidents. However, millions more suffer from TBI as well as TBI side effects including cognitive and communications disorders.

Some of these cognitive and communication impairments caused by a traumatic brain injury are as follows, according to the NIDCD:

* delirium

* multi-infarct dementia

* amnestic disorders

* Alzheimer's disease

While cognitive communication disorders are a large part of a TBI incident, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) has found that with intervention services and additional treatments, such as the Oxycyte, there may be a way to provide positive rehabilitation. According to ASHA, speech pathologists will work with a TBI victim on the following steps to improve the lingering brain injury side effects.

* Evaluation of cognitive communications disorders in various contexts.

* Determine appropriate combination of intervention approaches such as skill training, counseling, process-specific training, metacognitive approaches, etc., while also taking into account support from friends, family.

* Work with additional professionals on intervention collaboration processes.

Additional Traumatic Brain Injury Side Effects

Unfortunately, there are a plethora of common side effects often associated with a brain injury diagnosis. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), several common TBI side effects include;

* lightheadedness

* seizure

* dizziness

* slurred speech

* continual headache

* inability to awaken from sleep

* repeated vomiting or nausea

* dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes

* weakness, numbness in extremities

* loss of coordination

* confusion

* restlessness

* agitation

Living With a Brain Injury

Living with a traumatic brain injury can be a difficult illness and can often lead an individual to feeling hopeless or having severely dismal feelings and a poor outlook on life; however, there are an array of treatment options and therapy groups that can assist a brain injured victim.

Additionally, developing a TBI lawsuit may also offer a victim monetary relief from the costly medical bills associated with such a diagnosis. By seeking the counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can offer a free legal consultation may provide the confidence and insight into overcoming the fears quite frequently associated with a brain injury.