High-Dose Vitamin D May Ease Depression and Fatigue for Spinal Injury Victims

 Posted on September 19, 2018 in Catastrophic Injuries

Spinal cord injury victims often experience depression and fatigue after their injury. Caused, perhaps, by a mixture of issues that range from decreased social interaction, lack of sunshine and mobility, decreased social interaction, pain, trauma, and more, these ailments can be further exacerbated if the patient also suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Thankfully, one study has found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation could ease the severity of both symptoms, even among those who are not deficient.

Vitamin D Supplementation for Spinal Injuries

Scientists have previously found that spinal cord injury victims are between four and five times more likely to develop a vitamin D deficiency than those without such injuries. As it turns out, depression and fatigue are some of the most commonly experienced symptoms among those who have deficient vitamin D stores.

This common issue of deficiency was partly responsible for the study, which examined the effect of high-dose and low-dose vitamin D supplementation of 42 spinal injury patients. Those in the low-dose group received 800 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily for a total of six months. Those in the high-dose group were given either 2,000 IU daily for six months or 4,000 IU for one month and 2,000 IU for five months (dependent upon their vitamin D levels prior to starting the study). Study authors then tracked the progress of patients at one month, three months, and six months after starting supplementation.

The results showed that all patients experienced a significant increase in their vitamin D stores. However, those that were in the high-dose group reported a significant improvement in mood and a reduction in pain and fatigue. Neither group was found to have muscle tone improvement. It should be noted that the gap of improvement was only found at the three-month check, and not the six-month check. As such, it is plausible to believe that any supplementation could improve fatigue and depression over time.

When Negligence is an Element in Your Case

Although spinal injuries can occur in a variety of ways, many are associated with auto accidents, work injuries, and construction accidents. In these situations, victims may be owed compensation for their injuries and losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Unfortunately, such cases are often complex and difficult for victims to pursue alone. For this reason, it is suggested that victims seek guided and experienced legal assistance.

At the Law Office of John J. Garvey, III, we recognize the significant impact that a spinal injury can have on the lives of victims. Dedicated and compassionate, we strive for the most compensation possible in every case. Learn more about how our San Jose spinal cord injury lawyer can assist you. Call 408-293-0777 to schedule your free consultation today.

Source:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/870992#vp_1