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Symptoms of Pituitary Gland Dysfunction After a Car Accident

A traumatic brain injury can have a devastating effect on the pituitary gland and the overall endocrine system.

Whenever people think about a traumatic brain injury (TBI) following a car accident, they associate it with symptoms like sickness, difficulty speaking and thinking, fatigue, and so on. Few, however, know that this type of injury can have a devastating effect of the pituitary gland and the overall endocrine system. What’s worse, the symptoms of pituitary dysfunction and TBI often overlap, making it difficult to diagnose.

Traumatic brain injury car accident

The Role of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a small, pear-shaped organ attached to the hypothalamus. Although it’s small, it plays a vital role in regulating your bodily functions as it controls the release of hormones. That is why the pituitary gland is also known as the “master gland.” The hormones that it releases can affect not only other glands but your organs too. Simply put, it regulates your hunger, sleep, body temperature and so on.

Because it’s small and located behind your nose, close to the base of the brain, the pituitary gland is extremely vulnerable during a car crash. So much so that research shows that people who suffer a TBI are more likely to experience hormonal imbalances. In fact, one study found that about 20% of TBI victims develop chronic pituitary gland dysfunction.

Symptoms of Pituitary Gland Dysfunction

Due to its role and position in the brain, damage to the pituitary gland can have troubling effects. The problem is that the symptoms of pituitary gland dysfunction and traumatic brain injury often overlap.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Memory loss
  • Insomnia or trouble sleeping
  • Mood swings
  • Trouble thinking and concentrating
  • Sexual dysfunctions
  • Weight fluctuation

These symptoms can appear immediately after the car crash or within a few days or even weeks. Sometimes it can take years for the first signs to show, making it impossible for victims to make the connection. An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can foresee all the possible outcomes and build your case so that it incorporates every scenario.

Talk with Your Doctor about It

Your St. Louis car injury lawyer may instruct you to ask your doctor about pituitary gland dysfunction screening in case you’ve suffered a TBI during the crash. Your doctor will know what to consider when diagnosing the condition or he can refer you to a medical professional who can investigate your injury further.

Having this information in your medical report will make it easier for you to receive compensation should you develop the condition later.

Take All Brain Injuries Seriously

You may think that a minor hit to the head following a car crash doesn’t need any further investigation. However, your brain can hit the skull quite forcefully during such an event, creating damage that can be difficult to connect with the crash.


Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

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Updated: June 9, 2021