Female TBI patients recover better than males*** * The purpose of the present study was to look at possible gender differences in outcome after severe traumatic brain injury. Three hundred and thirty four consecutive patients, 72 females and 262 males, age range 5-65 years, were included in the study. Age range and severity of injury, evaluated by duration of unconsciousness, did not differ between male and female patients. Predicted outcome at the time of discharge from an in patient rehabilitation programme was evaluated according to work capacity. Female TBI patients had a better predicted outcome (p < 0.015). It is suggested that pro gesterone, acting as a neuroprotective agent, may explain this difference in outcome. * Why do some females recover from brain injury much faster and more completely than males?1 With more than 3 million people chronically disabled from traumatic brain injury, the answer may have far-reaching implications for the treatment of traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological disorders. * For the past twenty-five years, neuroscientist Donald G. Stein, PhD and his colleagues have been investigating this question and have discovered something remarkable—that the hormone progesterone confers profound neuroprotective effects that improve outcomes and reduce mortality following brain injuries. * Progesterone provides powerful neuroprotection to the fetus, particularly in late pregnancy, when it helps suppress neuronal excitation that can damage delicate new brain tissue. Dr. Stein and his colleagues at Emory University in Atlanta have continued to develop, test, and prove the theory that in addition to protecting the fetal brain, progesterone also protects and heals injured brain tissue. (NCBI & Lifeextension.com)
