What Are the Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

 Posted on August 11, 2021 in Personal Injury

There are a variety of situations where a person may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a car accident, slip-and-fall accident, or assault. Even though injuries that affect the brain may not be as immediately obvious as other types of bodily harm, they can have a huge impact on a person’s health and well-being. Unfortunately, TBIs are not always easy to recognize, and their effects may not become fully known until days or weeks after a person was initially injured. By understanding the long-term impact of a brain injury, victims can recognize how these injuries have affected their lives, and they can take steps to recover compensation from the person or parties who were responsible.

Long-Term Symptoms of TBIs

A mild traumatic brain injury, which is usually referred to as a concussion, may result in short-term symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, headaches, dizziness, and temporary memory loss. In many cases, these symptoms will last for a few weeks, but if they persist for longer, this may be a sign of a more serious injury. In some cases, these injuries may result in blood clots in the brain, and emergency medical treatment or surgery may be needed to correct this issue.

Moderate or severe brain injuries can be much more serious, and their symptoms may persist for an extended period of time, or even for the rest of a person’s life. These injuries may occur because of a strong blow to the head, a skull fracture, or a penetrating injury such as a bullet wound. The effects of a serious brain injury can last for years, and they may include:

• Cognitive issues - A victim may struggle to think clearly and process information, and they may have difficulty communicating with others or understanding language or instructions. They may also have trouble concentrating, and they may struggle to remember important information.

• Physical and sensory issues - A person may experience weakness in the body and difficulty with balance and coordination. They may also suffer impairments to their hearing or vision, as well as other sensory processing issues, such as sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds.

• Mood disorders - Victims will often experience depression or anxiety, as well as mood swings and difficulty regulating anger or other emotions. Some victims may experience personality changes, or they may have difficulty interacting with others appropriately while at work or in their personal lives.

People who experience serious brain injuries are more likely to die from issues such as seizures, drug overdoses, infections, or pneumonia. For those who are still alive five years after a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, 55% are unable to maintain employment, and 33% need assistance with their daily activities.

Contact Our Metro New York Area Brain Injury Attorneys

Following a traumatic brain injury, the attorneys of Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC can help a victim document the ways they have been affected and pursue financial compensation from the person or party who caused the injury. To arrange a free consultation and get legal help with your injury case, contact our Greenwich, CT traumatic brain injury lawyers by calling 203-661-6000.

Sources:

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

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