Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Brain Injury
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.8 million US citizens suffer a traumatic brain injury every year. And while 75% of these injuries are usually mild, the other 25% are likely to suffer lifelong damage. The recovery process is long, difficult, and can drain one emotionally and financially. It can take months before people fully recover or get close to their former selves. Unfortunately, they may never get back to how they were for some.
Common Causes of Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury is often caused by a heavy blow to the head or body. The severity of the injury depends on various factors, including the force of impact and the nature of the injury. Some common causes of a brain injury include:
- Vehicle accident: Collision accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles can result in traumatic brain injury
- Sports injuries: Certain sports like boxing, soccer, baseball, football, hockey, lacrosse, and any other extreme or high-impact sports can cause brain injuries
- Falls: Falls from high points such as from a ladder, down the stairs, or in the bathroom can lead to brain injuries. Falls are common among senior adults and children.
- Violence: Domestic violence, gunshot wounds, child abuse, and any other form of assault can also cause traumatic brain injuries
- Combat injuries: Active duty military personnel are often exposed to dangerous environments like explosive blasts, contributing to brain injuries.
Common Effects of Brain Injuries
Some of the effects of a traumatic brain injury are as follows:
- Memory loss
- Vertigo
- Language impairment
- Balance issues
- Depression and anxiety
- Impaired brain function
- Balance issues
- Mood swings
- Coma
- Partial paralysis
- A high risk of stroke
Brain Injuries Differ
Each case of brain injury is unique. As much as they share some of these effects, each injury will differ due to different locations of impact and the amount of force. On top of that, things like the victim’s health, the quality and timing of treatment, and other factors will influence the brain injury outcome.
Difficulties in Solving Common Issues
One of the main effects of a brain injury is that one loses one’s basic cognitive skills. They will find it hard to focus, concentrate on a task, or learn new things. This can lead to frustration, knowing that you once had the knowledge and ability to do these things without struggling. The outcome is anger which is not only directed at oneself but also at people close to the victim. A person with a brain injury thinks more slowly than they did and solves problems slowly. Even a person with a moderate brain injury can easily get confused if there is a change in the environment or routine, leading to frustration.
Mood Changes
When your brain system, which usually controls your emotional life, is damaged, the results can be catastrophic. The emotional damage can be so severe, affecting how a person reacts to situations. A person who used to be optimistic can become depressed, or someone who used to be social is now withdrawn or says inappropriate things. Depending on the brain part that was injured, some people may display uninhibited behavior.
Talking to An Attorney
As discussed above, brain injuries often change one’s life. Not only will the victim get affected, but the people around them suffer the consequences as well. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for those damages. Talk to a brain injury attorney, as they will help you get a fair settlement for the losses suffered.
A traumatic brain injury is more manageable than in the past, but it is still a major health issue. There are so many challenges that face the victims down the road. Getting compensation for those injuries can make the situation much more manageable.