Can a Concussion Increase Suicide Risk?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Orland Park Personal Injury Lawyer

One of the most common accident injuries people suffered is a concussion. According to national statistics, approximately three million people are in some kind of incident that results in a concussion. Some, of course, are extremely serious and can have an immediate impact on the victim' life. Even a mild concussion can have long-term side effects, but those effects may be even more serious than previously thought. A new study has concluded that people who suffer from even one concussion may be three times more likely to commit suicide several years later.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto. The study’s organizers spent 20 years tracking the history of 236,000 victims of concussions. On average, the study found, 31 out of every 100,000 concussion victims eventually took their own lives. Interestingly, concussion victims who had suffered their injuries on a weekend had an even higher risk of committing suicide, at a rate of nearly four times the national average.

The lead researcher of the study warns family members of people who have suffered a concussion to be aware of the possible warning signs that their loved one may be struggling emotionally. Some of the signs to watch for include depression, extreme mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, substance abuse, withdrawal, or talk of suicidal impulses. These issues do not always occur immediately following the injury. In many cases, they do not develop until years later.

The average length of time between the injury and the suicide for those victims being tracked for the study was six years.The researchers point out that this study did not prove a definitive cause and effect between concussions and suicide, however, it does reveal a correlation between the two and that is why victims and their loved ones should be on alert.

The majority of studies about the long term effects of concussion have focused on either professional athletes or veterans of the military. University of Toronto researchers wanted to explore what, if any, long term issues there are for concussion victims from the “general population.”

If you have suffered a concussion or other head injury in an accident, contact an experienced Orland Park personal injury attorney. Even what may appear to be a minor concussion can cause long-term and life-altering physical changes. Call Issa Law, LLC at 708-966-2408 today for your free consultation.

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