New study finds drug could help in aftermath of head injury

Head Injuries

Research by The Lancet suggests that in a study of traumatic brain injury, administering Tranexamic acid early on in treatment can help to stop bleeding in and around the brain. However, it cannot undo damage already sustained.

During the trial, 12,000 patients were given the drug, while another test group were given a placebo. The drug works to by stopping blood clots from breaking down and is currently already used intravenously for patients with life threatening chest and abdominal bleeds as well as new mothers experiencing dangerous bleeding after childbirth.

The drug appeared to work when given up to three hours after the head injury was sustained. However, it was not effective for everyone. Those with severe head injuries are unlikely to benefit from it.

Prof Haleema Shakur from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who was a lead investigator on this study said,

“The results are just amazing. It’s the first trial to ever show that a [medical] treatment can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury patients dying.

This is the first time that we have seen a beneficial effect. It will have huge implications worldwide.

It’s a widely available drug, it’s relatively cheap and it’s really simple to give.”

Compensation for head injury

There are many ways in which head injury can occur, and in some cases, you may be able to claim compensation. If your injury was caused by the actions of a third party, either through an accident or medical negligence, you should speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor to find out if you have a valid claim.

Head injury solicitors

Blackwater Law are a firm of medical negligence solicitors who are experts in head injury claims. During the course of your claim, your solicitor will consult with various medical experts who will act as advocates as to the seriousness of your injury as well as the facts surrounding the causation of the head injury.

We offer free initial advice to anyone calling us with a medical negligence claim so you can be assured of being given the best advice in how to proceed.