As a greater volume of research delves into the serious consequences of brain injuries once deemed "minor," such as concussions, it becomes clear that these warrant as much attention and care as any other type of trauma. We highlight a few of the most noteworthy findings on mild concussions and brain aging, as well as other common long-term problems. Learn more: https://www.rhllaw.com/blog/mild-concussions-and-brain-aging-what-the-latest-research-says/

1. Mild
Concussions
and Brain
Aging: What
the Latest
Research Says
https://www.rhllaw.com/blog/mild-concussions-and-brain-aging-
what-the-latest-research-says/

2. MILD CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN AGING
Defining Mild Concussions
Given the wide range of symptoms that can accompany concussions, it
can be difficult to accurately define them as mild, moderate, or severe. In
fact, experts at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons argue
that no concussion can realistically be referred to as ‘minor.’
To qualify as mild, a concussion should not lead to any significant loss of
consciousness. Instead, the brain injury may be followed by the occasional
instance of impaired memory, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light or noise.
If a concussion really is mild, these complaints should be resolved within
three months.
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3. MILD CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN AGING
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What Are the Impacts of Mild Brain Injuries?
Even after the initial symptoms resolve, mild brain injuries can have lingering effects. These include everyday sources of discomfort, as
well as a higher risk of developing conditions such as dementia later in life.
Key problems associated with concussions include the following.

4. MILD CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN AGING
Long-Term Impacts: Headaches
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Despite being a persistently common complaint in those who have
suffered mild brain injuries, headaches remain poorly understood
as they relate to concussions. Research suggests that the
biochemical changes prompted by TBI resemble those typically
seen in patients with migraines.
A concerning study revealed that a shocking 91 percent of mild TBI
sufferers continue to experience headaches one year after the
initial injury. What’s more, for half of the respondents, these
headaches were severe enough to be categorized as migraines.

5. MILD CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN AGING
Long-Term Impacts: Psychiatric Disorders
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While many people assume that the negative effects of concussions
primarily involve memory and cognition, many people also suffer
lasting emotional concerns. These are, as a noteworthy Practical
Neurology study explains, more common in those who have already
experienced psychiatric disorders prior to suffering brain injuries.
New psychiatric problems often stem from the physical trauma of
the injury. They may also, however, take place based on the
psychological reaction to the incident that caused the injury in the
first place. For example, if a car accident leads to brain injury, the
victim may develop an anxiety disorder not only because of physical
brain damage but also, because the crash itself was so terrifying.

6. MILD CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN AGING
Long-Term Impacts: Sleep Issues
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Sometimes caused by mental health concerns but often occurring
separate from other symptoms, sleep disturbances are common
after concussion. Brain injuries can interrupt sleep by damaging
melatonin production, creating chronic pain, or even prompting
sleep apnea. As such, treatments vary significantly based on the
identified cause. Unfortunately, over time, continued sleep
problems can lead to a variety of other health concerns.

7. MILD CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN AGING
Long-Term Impacts: Changes to the Brain
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Experts have long suspected that even mild concussions can have a
huge impact on how the brain functions as it ages. Now, results
from a study conducted by the NIA Intramural Research Program’s
Brain Aging and Behavior Section reveal that brain damage is visible
in patients multiple decades after they’ve suffered concussions.
Issues identified in this study included damage to the white matter
in the hippocampus, as well as the frontal and temporal lobes.
These adaptations are not, however, associated with changes to
cognitive ability. This may indicate that the brain is able to adapt
when needed. Still, cause for concern remains, as the impacted
areas pinpointed in this study tend to be the most vulnerable to
age-related changes associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

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