A newly published study has revealed an overwhelming connection between traumatic brain injuries among teenagers and energy drink consumption. With the many health risks already associated with energy drinks, adding an increased risk of teenage traumatic brain injuries to the list is a serious cause for concern.
The recently released research has revealed some startling discoveries to which parents should be paying attention. Findings, based on a study of roughly 10,000 students between the ages of 11 and 20, are as follows:
- About 22 percent of the study group reported suffering a traumatic brain injury, as defined by a loss of consciousness for at least five minutes or at least one night of hospitalization.
- Teenagers who suffered from these serious brain injuries within the past year were found to be seven times more likely to have consumed five or more energy drinks in the previous week than teens that did not sustain such injuries.
- Of the teens that reported suffering a traumatic brain injury in the past year, those who played sports were twice as likely to consume energy drinks as those suffering other injuries.
- Teens with traumatic brain injuries were also more than twice as likely to have mixed their energy drinks with alcohol.
Though some energy drinks have taken steps to improve their safety, such as alcohol infused Sparks and Four Loko, the risk for injury associated with consumption of energy drinks still exists and sales continue to climb.
At Wilson Law, P.A., our Raleigh brain injury lawyers have years of experience representing victims of traumatic brain injuries, and we know how seriously your life can be impacted. It is not a matter to take lightly. If your child suffered a brain injury and you believe energy drink consumption may be at least partly responsible, we'll fight aggressively to help you hold all negligent parties accountable.
Please contact Wilson Law, P.A. using the form at the bottom of the page or call (919) 800-0919 today to schedule a free case evaluation. We serve clients in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and throughout North Carolina.