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The
symptoms of dementia caused by trauma to the head are as variable as
the brain injuries themselves. In some cases the symptoms have
multiple causes because of concurrent alcohol or other drug abuse
that sometimes precedes the accident that causes the trauma. In most
cases of single accidents the dementia will not progress, but in the
case of the multiple brain insults that may occur in football,
boxing, or other violent sports, the effects are likely to be
cumulative. If the trauma is sufficient to cause concussion, memory
for the accident and a period before the accident is usually lost.
The extent of memory loss depends on the severity of the trauma. The
memory impairment persists in some cases. The victims are most
frequently young males who engaged in some risky behavior. Most
traumas are "closed-head traumas" produced when the brain
is dashed against the inside the skull as a result of a blow to the
head. Considerable recovery of function can be expected if the
injury is not too severe. It is hardly necessary to emphasize that
medical help should be sought immediately in cases of dementia
caused by head trauma. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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