The Opioid Crisis and Its Hidden Brain Injury Epidemic
The opioid crisis has long been a devastating public health issue, but a lesser-known consequence is the rise of brain injuries linked to opioid overdoses. When someone overdoses, the lack of oxygen to the brain (hypoxia) can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological damage. This hidden epidemic disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating an already critical health issue.