How Spinal Injury Can Affect Thyroid Function
As a traffic accident injury lawyer, our firm handles many cases where our clients report serious injuries to their spinal cords. Whiplash, disc injuries, and spinal compression are three common examples of serious injuries you can suffer to your spinal cord during a traffic accident. But the body is an interconnected organism and damage to one area can have a profound impact on another area.
Several studies have shown that spinal injuries can impact thyroid function. This can have a profound impact on your quality of life and the ability of your body to regulate various systems.
What does the thyroid do?
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body. For example:
- Regulating metabolism – The thyroid regulates how quickly the body converts food into energy, controls body temperature, and the overall metabolic rate.
- Heart function – Thyroid hormones impact cardiovascular health, helping to regulate the heart rate and the strength of heart contractions. Proper levels of thyroid hormones are essential for maintaining a healthy rhythm for your heart and blood pressure.
- Digestive function – Thyroid hormones influence how quickly food moves through the digestive tract. Imbalances can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
- Mood and cognitive function – Thyroid hormones play a key role in brain function and mood regulation. Imbalances can lead to mood swings, cognitive difficulties, or depression.
- Reproductive health – Thyroid imbalances can impact menstrual cycles in women and affect fertility.
Study indicates spinal cord injury impacts thyroid function
Scientists studied the issue of thyroid function after spinal cord injury by subjecting rats to severe spinal cord compression and then measuring the relative amounts of various hormones and enzymes produced by the thyroid gland. Rats with severe spinal cord injury showed a marked decline in TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) during the acute phase.
How does a spinal cord injury impact the thyroid?
A spinal cord injury can produce a disruption to the autonomic nervous system which regulates several bodily functions including hormone secretion. The disruption can affect what is known as the HPT axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid), which can, in turn, reduce TSH production. Low levels of TSH can result in hyperthyroidism. This, in turn, can result in:
- Increased metabolic rate – Elevated thyroid hormone levels lead to increased metabolic rate. This can result in symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, increased appetite, and heat intolerance.
- Cardiovascular issues – Excess thyroid hormones can result in heart palpitations, elevated heart rate, and high blood pressure.
- Nervous system issues – Hyperthyroidism can lead to anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping, as well as tremors in the hands and fingers.
- Digestive system issues – An overactive thyroid can accelerate the rate of digestion leading to frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.
- Emotional and cognitive issues – Hyperthyroidism can cause difficulty concentrating and memory problems. Emotionally, one can experience mood swings, irritability, and emotional instability.
Talk to a Jacksonville, FL Car Accident Lawyer Today
Gillette Law represents those who have been injured in traffic accidents during the claims and litigation process. We can help you recover damages related to your injuries—all of your injuries. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your injuries right away.
Source:
sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0090301982900210
