Researchers Focus on Head Trauma

The suicide of former pro football star Junior Seau is putting a new focus on trauma to the head. Researchers say a lot of advances are being made in recognizing and treating brain injury, but a lot of mysteries still remain.

Up until a year ago Lisa Huey was part of medical team studying and treating brain and spinal cord injuries. She is now learning to walk and talk again after an illness cut off oxygen to her brain.

But its kind of ironic uh? asked Huey.

Her journey to recovery could become a path for others to follow. A strong support system keeps her focused.

Its hard sometime but you take it as it comes one day at a time my mom has been really helpful with that, said Huey.

Huey and her mother were among the featured guest at a symposium on recent advances in treatments for brain injury and stroke. New innovations in imagining technology are making it easier to understanding the physical damage caused by a brain injury, but understanding the emotional damage, thats not as clear cut.

Injuries that happen during sporting events, as well as, those on a battlefield have increased awareness.

According to the CDC, five million Americans have a long term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living after a traumatic brain injury.

Researchers report a common theme among patients, a feeling of a loss of self and a lack of purpose.

A study in 2002 suggested that one in five, who suffers a brain injury will attempt suicide.

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Researchers Focus on Head Trauma