What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

 Posted on April 09, 2021 in Personal Injury

Of the different types of injuries that a person may experience, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious. Unfortunately, injuries affecting the brain are not always recognized or understood. Following an incident such as a car accident or a slip and fall, a person will likely focus on forms of bodily harm that are immediately evident, such as broken bones. They may not even realize that they suffered a brain injury until several days or weeks later, and they may not associate their symptoms with the accident where the injury occurred. For those who have been injured, it is important to understand the effects that a brain injury can have, and by doing so, they can pursue compensation for the ways the injury has impacted their life.

Health Concerns Related to Traumatic Brain Injuries

Immediately following a concussion or other type of brain injury, a person may experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, or confusion. In mild cases, these symptoms may improve or go away after a few days or weeks. In moderate or severe cases, symptoms may persist or get worse, and a person may also experience long-term or permanent health issues, including:

• Cognitive impairment - In addition to memory loss, damage to the brain may lead to a variety of other issues that affect a person’s ability to think, reason, and perform daily activities. They may struggle with problem-solving, paying attention to people or tasks, following directions, or managing daily activities such as household chores, driving or operating equipment, preparing food, or maintaining proper hygiene. A person may also experience language deficits that affect their ability to speak, read, write, or understand what others are saying.

• Sensory issues - A brain injury may affect a person’s perception of their senses. They may experience blurred or double vision, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or numbness in different parts of the body. They may also become highly sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, or strong smells.

• Emotional issues - Mood disorders are common for TBI victims, and a person may experience anxiety, depression, mood swings, excessive irritability, or personality changes. This can affect their ability to build or maintain relationships with family members or friends.

• Physical impairments - Brain injuries can affect a person’s balance and coordination, and they may also experience muscle weakness or spasticity and have difficulty controlling their muscles, especially when performing fine motor skills. In some cases, a person may suffer from traumatic epilepsy that causes them to experience seizures.

Contact Our Barrington Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

A brain injury can affect your ability to work and care for yourself, your relationships with others, your enjoyment of life, and your overall well-being. If you suffered a TBI because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, loss of past and future income, and the physical pain and emotional trauma you have experienced. To get legal help with your case, contact the Barrington, IL brain injury lawyers at Joseph M. Lucas & Associates, LLC by calling 224-900-HURT and scheduling a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traumatic-brain-injury 

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html