When an individual experiences a traumatic brain injury, their life and the lives of those closest to them is dramatically altered. Many people lose a wide range of bodily and cognitive function due to brain injury, and the road to recovery can be long and difficult. In addition, the expense of adjusting to the individual’s new needs can take a toll on a Texas family.
When breakthrough technology is announced in the field of brain injuries, families often feel a measure of relief. This is accompanied by hope for the future, and the chance that their loved one could benefit. One recent announcement has many in the medical community excited, and could represent an incredible advancement in the ability of brain injured patients to regain function.
The technology involves using the human tongue as a means of receiving electronic stimulation to the brain. By pairing this stimulation with specific cognitive, physical and occupational activities, researchers are able to prompt the brain to form new neural pathways. Even more promising, the pathways remain active even after the stimulation is stopped, suggesting that the results can be long-lasting.
While this type of medical advancement is incredibly exciting, it is also expensive to obtain. When an individual sustains a serious brain injury due to the negligent acts of another, it is of utmost importance that the family pursues every avenue of legal recourse. Winning an award of damages can lead to the ability to participate in this type of cutting-edge research and technology. Texas brain injury patients have a wide range of technological advancements from which to choose, many of which can help them regain a degree of function lost due to their injury.
Source: The North Jefferson News, “Can nerve endings in the tongue help us treat traumatic brain injury?” Jason Bittel, Feb. 27, 2013
