Hormone injection 'may reduce brain injury'RSS Feed

Doctors in the US hope to reduce the chances of a brain injury following a head trauma by injecting patients with a hormone to reduce swelling on the brain.

Trials have shown that administering the hormone progesterone to patients immediately after a serious head injury reduces swelling and damage.

One study even showed the treatment can halve death rates in head trauma patients.

The trials, which are being carried out by the University of Arizona Department of Emergency Medicine, have raised concerns as patient consent for the treatment cannot always be obtained in time to make it effective.

Matthew Dixon of serious accident litigation specialists Serious Law believes the overriding concern should be the quick and effective treatment of patients.

“The quicker the brain swelling can be reduced, the greater the chances are of preventing permanent damage," he explained.

"Progesterone has been shown to be effective in clinical tests, and this ongoing study could have a major impact on the early treatment of head injuries."

The treatment could be applied to soldiers serving in Afghanistan, after studies show large numbers of troops are being exposed to head traumas.

News brought to you by Serious Law specialists in brain injury

Posted by Timothy Walters

 

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