I’m having hormone issues because of a brain injury. Should I tell my brain injury lawyer?

We Explain the Challenges of Hormone Issues Caused by Traumatic Brain Injuries

Trying to make sense of what to do after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a dizzying experience. While exams may focus on physical damage to the head and brain, TBIs can profoundly affect the hormone balance in victims, too. Left untreated, hormonal issues cause long-term or even permanent damage to cognitive and emotional function.

With such drastically tragic consequences, it’s crucial to tell your brain injury attorney about any changes to your health and well-being, including changes to hormone function.

How Pituitary Brain Injuries Impact Hormone Regulation

Individuals suffer traumatic brain injuries in many different ways. Car accidents with drunk drivers can have devastating effects. Sports injuries, slip-and-fall accidents, and medical negligence are other common causes of TBIs. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, victims experience numerous symptoms.

Located in the base of the brain behind the top of the nose, the pituitary gland is considered the “master gland” of the endocrine system. No larger than the size of a single pea, the pituitary gland orchestrates the release of hormones throughout the body. These hormones control metabolism, mood, growth, and other bodily functions.

If the pituitary gland is damaged due to TBIs such as concussion, more serious blunt force head trauma, or penetration wounds, hormone release can become dysregulated. Hormone levels can get too high or too low. This can impact physical, emotional, and cognitive health. These fluctuations can even be fatal. The gland is easily injured, as the blood and nerve vessels around it are incredibly fragile.

Possible Traumatic Brain Injury Hormone Issues 

Injuries to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus can cause a variety of hormone issues. What many of our Virginia traumatic brain injury clients report include damage to the following hormones: 

• ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic hormone governs the production of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and stimulates the adrenal glands. Lower cortisol levels can cause fatigue and weakness. 
• TSH: Thyroid-stimulating hormone encourages regulation of metabolic rate and development. 
• LH: Luteinizing hormone triggers the production of testosterone and controls the menstrual cycle. 
• FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone works in tandem with LH to control ovulation and the menstrual cycle. 
• PRL: Prolactin stimulates breast development and milk production in women. 
• GH: Growth hormone promotes growth in childhood and regulates metabolism. 
• ADH: Antidiuretic hormone affects kidney function and blood pressure.
• OXT: Oxytocin is involved in uterine contraction during childbirth and lactation for breastfeeding mothers.

A hormonal imbalance may only last a short time, but TBI-induced hormonal fluctuations can easily lead to permanent damage.

Potential Long-Term Effects and Symptoms

Physical, cognitive, and emotional problems after a TBI can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life. Pituitary injuries can affect almost every aspect of someone’s life. Possible symptoms may include:

• Extreme chronic fatigue
• Inability to sleep
• Depression and anxiety
• Reduced stamina and sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Poorer time management
• Dysregulated thirst and urination
• Diminished social skills
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Changes in mood, like increased irritability 
• Memory problems
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Chronic headaches
• Irregularities or cessation of menstrual cycles
• Weight changes,  muscle loss, and increased fat retention
• Loss of bone density
• Loss of body hair
• Developmental issues in children

In more severe cases, some people suffer an adrenal hormone crisis, which could be fatal.

Why You Need to Tell Your Personal Injury Attorney

From pedestrian accidents to workplace injuries, it’s critical to be as comprehensive as possible in fully diagnosing a TBI. Health providers sometimes miss damage to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in traumatic brain injuries. For example, the above symptoms can sometimes be attributed to other causes, like post-concussive disorder. 

The Richmond attorneys at The Mottley Law Firm take on many personal injury cases, including traumatic brain injuries. Be sure to tell us about all symptoms, however minor. This includes possible hormone issues, even if you’re not sure if they’re caused by your TBU. We’ll advocate for your best interests.

In many cases, this may involve demanding certain medical tests to be completed. These can either confirm or rule out injuries to the pituitary gland that X-rays and MRIs don’t see. A neuroendocrinologist may complete an insulin tolerance test. The added specialization in head trauma distinguishes these medical specialists from more general endocrinologists.

A more complete diagnosis empowers you to assess and value your case more accurately. Lifelong hormone replacement therapy may be necessary. Doctors may prescribe other medications. The long-term impact of hormonal balance on employment and quality of life is equally important. 

Our Richmond Legal Team is Ready to Support Your Case and Maximize Potential Compensation

Trust the legal team at The Mottley Law Firm to champion your legal rights. It’s vital to get all the facts straight so you’re fairly compensated for your injuries. Long-term medical costs like hormone replacement therapy could be part of a lifelong treatment plan. 

In one notable traumatic brain injury case, our firm represented a 54-year-old man who was struck in a crosswalk by a City of Charlottesville official. The city refused to admit liability. Through persistent investigation, mediation, and negotiation, we were able to secure a $5 million settlement for our client.