Head injury increases suicide risk by 21%: the most dangerous period.

According to ТСН: In people who have suffered head injuries, the risk of suicide attempts was found to be 21% higher. The most dangerous period is the first year after the injury.

How the risk was identified

Researchers from the UK analyzed data from nearly 400,000 individuals who sustained head injuries and one and a half million healthy volunteers. Even in the absence of mental disorders, head injuries are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts. Lack of social connections or the presence of mental disorders further exacerbate this risk.

Long-term impact on mental health. Other scientific studies show that deterioration in mental health can be observed for up to eight years after the injury, with women being particularly vulnerable.

There is also a risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Repeated head injuries are linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. One theory is the 'awakening' of the herpes virus in nerve cells under the influence of traumatic stress.

Possible cellular level changes. In athletes, dangerous changes in nerve cells may be detected even before noticeable signs of brain damage appear.

Additionally, head trauma can impact social success. The influence of injuries is felt even in the social sphere. Experiencing head injuries in childhood negatively correlates with the possibility of obtaining higher education in the future, which is related not only to missed schooling during treatment.

Doctors emphasize the necessity of not ignoring any hits to the head and seeking professional help not only from traumatologists but also from psychologists during rehabilitation.

In the modern world, various factors, from noise to excessive smartphone use, can trigger headaches. However, according to scientists, in some individuals, the causes of pulsing head pain may have deep roots.

The latest research suggests that Neanderthal genes may increase vulnerability to certain brain defects known as Chiari malformation, affecting approximately one in 100 individuals. These defects occur when the lower part of the brain descends too deeply into the spinal cord.

Thus, the results of this study highlight the importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the condition of individuals who have sustained head injuries. In particular, attention should be paid not only to physical but also to mental health, as injuries can have lasting consequences. In this regard, timely consultation with specialists can play a key role in preventing serious complications.