More than 300,000 children are treated for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) each year, while over 5.4 million children have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Can ADHD increase the severity of a TBI in Children?
When you suffer a brain injury in a California accident or incident caused by another person’s carelessness or negligence, Jeremy Winter of J.G. Winter Law will be there for you to provide personalized and compassionate legal representation. With many years of proven legal experience, we handle personal injury cases dealing with brain injuries.
Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury vs. ADHD
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a form of nondegenerative acquired brain injury resulting from a blow, assault, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function.
TBI can cause brain damage focused in one part of the brain or diffuse throughout the brain.
Symptoms can vary depending on the lesion site, the extent of damage to the brain, and the child’s age or development stage. TBI has a different effect on children than it does on adults. Injuries to the developing brain could:
- Disrupt a child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development
- Limit a child’s ability to participate in school and other activities, like sports
As a result of a TBI, children may experience changes in their health, thinking, and behavior that affect learning, self-regulation, and social participation.
TBI severity is typically separated into mild, moderate, and severe classifications based on a patient’s initial clinical presentation. Children with severe TBI are more likely to be hospitalized and have a lifelong disability than children with a mild injury.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is best described as a developmental impairment affecting the brain’s executive functions, causing difficulty with impulse control, focusing, and organization. Common symptoms include:
- Inattention
- Lack of focus
- Squirming
- forgetfulness
- Excessive talking
- Exaggerated emotions
- Hyperactivity
The primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Symptoms usually begin before age 12, and in some children, they’re noticeable as early as three years of age. The symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and they may continue into adulthood.
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive. Most symptoms fall under inattention.
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive. Most symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive.
- Combined. This subtype is a mix of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms.
Jeremy Winter of the Law Offices of J.G. Winter is an experienced California brain injury attorney. When a child suffers a severe pediatric brain injury, it is not uncommon for continued medical care to be necessary. Suppose your child’s injury resulted from an accident. In that case, it is also important to partner with a pediatric brain injury attorney who may build you a solid personal injury claim.
Causes of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and ADHD
A study from the Brain Injury journal found that sports and recreation activities are leading causes of nonfatal traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children ages 5 to 19. Falls lead to 53.9% of TBI-related hospitalizations, while being struck by or against an object account for 34.9% in children aged 0-15.
The cause and risk factors for development of ADHD are unknown, but current research shows genetics may play an important role. Scientists continue to study other possible causes and risk factors, including:
- Brain injury
- Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age
- Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
- Premature delivery
- Low birth weight
A traumatic brain injury resulting from another person or company’s negligence may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses or pain and suffering. The Law Offices of J.G. Winter will fight for you to obtain the maximum recovery for your damages.
Is There a Link between ADHD and Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury?
Children with ADHD have shown to be at higher risk of accidents and injury, so one can assume that they may also bear a higher likelihood of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
In recent studies, the severity of Traumatic brain injury was tied to post-injury ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. ADHD may also be a risk factor for pediatric TBI, reported Robert Asarnow, Ph.D. of the University of California Los Angeles.
ADHD is characterized by social and behavioral problems and challenges in school. ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder among children with a history of traumatic brain injury. Children who have had a severe head injury are more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Roughly 1 in 5 children who have had TBI will also develop ADHD, but it usually manifests within a few years. However, it could take significantly longer in some cases.
Suppose your child has suffered a brain injury later complicated by ADHD in an accident, willful act, or negligence by another party. In that case, you should consult a Sacramento traumatic brain injury lawyer. Jeremy Winters can review the facts of your case and determine if you should pursue financial compensation for your losses and damages.
Speak to a Sacramento, CA Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Jeremy Winter represents clients in the Sacramento region and throughout California who have suffered severe injuries in a negligent incident or accident caused by another person or company. To us, you are not just another case. Our legal team genuinely cares about our clients and will work diligently to prepare a strong case to obtain the best outcome.
J.G. Winter will hold negligent parties responsible for your losses and pain accountable so you can focus on your child’s recovery and rebuilding their life. While we cannot reverse the injury’s effects, we will fight vigorously for you and your child’s legal rights and ensure that you both are compensated for your financial and personal losses.
If we take your case, you do not pay us a penny until we have won. Call us today at 866-613-5412 or contact us to schedule a free consultation for your case.
