Xenon Gas May Help Prevent Cognitive Damage in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Jun 13, 2019
Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC
Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) June 13, 2019 – Traumatic brain injury researchers are constantly searching for new ways to help treat brain damage. Yet another discovery may help TBI victims – Xenon gas, a human anesthetic with few side effects.
A new study has shown promising results for preventing cognitive damage after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While the study involves mice, it may well have significant ramifications for humans. Xenon gas, an anesthetic drug, apparently prevents long-term cognitive impairment, protects against brain tissue degeneration and increases life expectancy in the wake of a TBI in mice.
In fact, almost two years after a TBI, the animals were still performing well, an indicator that the gas may improve the human survival rate and help cognitive decline in humans. According to the study, the gas stopped the loss of brain cells in the hippocampus and reduced brain inflammation. The hippocampus is a small, curved brain formation that forms new memories and is associated with learning and emotions. Due to the fact that the human brain is lateralized and symmetrical, it actually has two hippocampi.
Statistically, the leading cause of disability and death in those under the age of 45 is attributed to TBIs. When someone sustains a primary brain injury, it is often followed by a secondary injury leading to physical and mental disabilities. TBI survivors also tend to have a shorter life expectancy and a higher risk of other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.
What makes Xenon gas work? While there is no definitive answer to that question yet, it appears that animal studies have resulted in the gas protecting and restoring the brain in the wake of lack of blood flow to the brain and areas of TBIs. It is speculated that Xenon works by limiting the stimulation of glutamate receptors.
“In order to see if the working scientific theory is valid, researchers need to replicate the studies with Xenon gas in humans. If those investigations turn out to be successful, the world of medicine may have another alternative to help those with TBI cope and get well,” said Austin traumatic brain injury attorney, Brooks Schuelke. “If you have sustained a TBI, talk to me and find out what your legal options are to recover compensation.”
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