Recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of ketamine for children with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). For years, the powerful drug was believed to increase pressure inside the skull. However, a new study suggests it may play a vital role in recovery for young TBI victims.
Will Terry’s life took a turn when he suffered a TBI after a scooter accident while on vacation.
“He was attempting to brake when he went over the handlebars and hit his head,” said Catherine Terry, his mother. Not long after, Will lost consciousness. Following the accident, he underwent surgery in Florida before being transferred to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“He essentially was in a coma for about a month and depended on a ventilator for an extended period,” remarked Dr. Michael S. Wolf, a critical care doctor who attended to Will.
TBIs send 50,000 to 60,000 children to hospitals annually. But could ketamine provide a breakthrough in treatment? The recent study focused on children aged between one month and 16 years who were administered ketamine after experiencing a TBI.
Dr. Wolf elaborated, “Those given ketamine saw a reduction in their intracranial pressure.” This was crucial for young victims like Will, who needed time for their brains to heal. Today, at 12 years old, Will has made significant progress, even teaching himself sign language for communication.
His mother is optimistic, noting, “Every day, he grows stronger, and there’s no limit to what he can achieve.”
The research has paved the way for further studies on traumatic brain injury in kids with a larger participant group.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, particularly if it’s due to someone else’s negligence, prioritize medical attention. Reach out to the TBI lawyers at the Brain Injury Help Center in California to explore your options for compensation. Your well-being matters; seek justice today.
