After a devastating and catastrophic car accident, it is common for many accident victims to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, 70% of adults will experience some type of traumatic event in their lives and 20% of those people will go on to develop PTSD afterwards. Statistically, women are more likely to develop PTSD than men – at least 2x more likely. Treatment for PTSD has always ranged from medication to therapy – until now.
Researchers found that victims suffering from PTSD who played Tetris within a few hours of witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event were able to greatly prevent PTSD. Why? After a traumatic event, the memories of that trauma become a virtual loop in the brain. This loop can be difficult to break and often results in PTSD. The game Tetris competes with that loop and blocks traumatic memories from becoming formed in the brain and taking root.
In the study, researchers went to an emergency room in the UK and found 71 patients who had just experienced a car accident. Half the patients were treated with standard medicine, while the other half were asked to remember their trauma and then play Tetris. Injuries were treated in the standard medical manner. The victims were then observed for a week. The patients who played Tetris reported 62% fewer bad memories than those who did not.
Researchers are hopeful that by playing activities like Tetris, they can prevent more cases of PTSD from forming.
Further Reading: The Dangers of Highway Fog and Smoke
Understanding PTSD
Being involved in a car accident is a frightening ordeal. Generally, the trauma from the accident and the painful memories and feelings subside. If they don’t go away, or actually become stronger, however, they could be a sign of a chronic problem. When the feelings linger and begin to interfere with your life, this is known as PTSD. Car accident victims who are suffering from PTSD, may experience some of the following problems:
- Fear of driving or riding in a vehicle
- A unescapable feeling of uneasiness
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Excessive anger, worry, or irritability
- Feeling disconnected from events and other people
- Relentless and uncontrollable memories of the accident
- Depression and/or anxiety
If you have been in a car accident and are suffering from any of these symptoms, be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
Contact Our Pueblo Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, it is important to understand the long-term complications you may face. PTSD is one of those complications. An experienced Pueblo car accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need – and deserve after a devastating accident. Call Pueblo attorneys at Smith & Smith, today for a FREE CONSULTATION – (719) 544-0062.
