Thousands of people suffer from traumatic brain injuries every year, and for many of these people, there are serious long-term effects. Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by a number of different things, including motor vehicle accidents and falls, and the range of injuries can vary. They can lead to long-term disabilities and problematic symptoms for many sufferers.
Long Term Effects
Whether an individual has sustained a mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury, there can still be lasting effects. Some appear immediately after an injury, while others may not develop until later. Some immediate effects of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Amnesia about the event
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Foggy thinking
- Nausea
- Persistent neck pain
- Slurred speech
Some effects that may develop later include:
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Cognitive difficulties
- Change in or loss of taste and smell
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Low energy or motivation
- Memory loss
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty with executive functioning
- Personality changes
- Intellectual disability
Emotional Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury
A range of mental health and emotional issues can affect individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Anxiety and depression are common. Sometimes an individual may experience a personality change that can affect their relationships with friends and family. They may suffer from mood swings and difficulty controlling impulses. The challenges associated with the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury can be life-altering. Relationships can be affected, and the individual may no longer be able to hold down a job or go to school. The injuries can result in roles in a partnership or marriage to change. Divorce after a traumatic brain injury is not uncommon. All of these situations can have a tremendous emotional impact.
Traumatic brain injury has also been linked with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This may depend on the type of event that led to the injury. Many traumatic brain injuries result from motor vehicle accidents, assaults, or serious falls. It is possible to have both PTSD and a traumatic brain injury, and an individual should be treated for both conditions.
Contact an Experienced Injury Attorney
If you sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping the injured for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.