The Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries

When you break your arm or need stitches, your doctor will give you a reasonable recovery timeline. When you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), however, recovery can take months or even years of rehabilitation. Also, many head injury victims suffer an array of lifelong consequences. While all traumatic brain injuries differ, here are just a few common issues for head trauma sufferers.

Physical Disabilities

Your brain controls all of your bodily functions. When it gets damaged in an accident, you could suffer from paralysis or partial paralysis, muscle control issues, vision issues, hearing loss, chronic migraines, and loss of coordination. Seizures are a common physical side effect that can develop immediately following a head injury or even months or years later.

Memory Problems and Cognition Issues

Perhaps the most heartbreaking disabilities related to serious head injuries are those that effect memory, language, and thought. The survivor of a serious brain injury commonly has to relearn how to speak, organize thoughts, and navigate everyday life. Some victims may never be able to work again, while others may not be able to take care of themselves on a day-to-day basis. Even those with mild head injuries can struggle with forgetfulness, confusion, effective communication, and daily living.

Personality Changes and Emotional Issues

Because of its prominent location and size, the frontal lobe often gets damaged during a traumatic brain injury with serious consequences. This region of the brain largely controls emotions, cognition, and even personality. A head injury victim with frontal lobe damage could suffer from depression, anxiety, mood swings, anger, and disorientation. In addition, these traumatic brain injuries can result in impulsive actions, disturbing behavior, lack of self-control, addiction problems, and overall personality changes.

In some cases, head injuries get overlooked by accident victims. The full physical, emotional, and monetary impact of a traumatic head injury may not be clear until weeks or months after a traffic accident, slip and fall, or medical mistake. Therefore, you need to talk to a doctor as soon as a brain injury or brain injury symptoms occur.

While compensation can never make up for the devastating consequences of a brain injury, it can help cover your medical costs and support you or your loved ones. At Siegel & Coonerty, we have helped a large number of brain injury victims in getting the support they need to continue their recovery and move on with their lives as best they can. If you or your family has been affected by a traumatic brain injury in New York, we may be able to assist you. Call us today to schedule a private, free meeting with an experienced head injury attorney.