Health Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be immediate and linger for a few days, or they can impact the rest of a person’s life. Below are some of the physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms related to TBI.

The symptoms that a TBI victim experiences depend largely on the type of injury and its severity. Types of head injuries include (but are not limited to):

• Edema, or swelling.
• Hematoma: A bruise ranging from mild to severe.
• Hemorrhage: Bleeding inside or outside the skull.
• Skull fracture: A broken part of the skull. A fracture can lead to an open head injury, where an outside force comes in contact with the brain. It can also result in severe bleeding.
• Diffuse axonal injury: A severe type of TBI that occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull.

While a TBI can occur as a result of a head injury, it can also happen if the head is whipped violently back and forth without impact.

Physical Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

People with a traumatic brain injury may experience headaches, weakness, dizziness, changes to their vision, and other physical symptoms. These problems may occur immediately or appear much later, even after the patient feels as though he or she has recovered.

A TBI can put a person at risk of developing a dangerous blood clot in the skull, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs of this life-threatening condition include:

• A persistent and worsening headache,
• Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination,
• Persistent nausea or repeated vomiting, and/or
• Slurred speech.

It’s important to seek medical care right away if you or a family member experiences these problems after sustaining a head injury, whiplash, or a jolt to the body.

Emotional Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Not all symptoms of a traumatic brain injury are those you can see. Following a head injury, a person may suffer from emotional effects including mood swings, irritability and angry outbursts, and personality changes. They may feel depressed or less motivated. The person could withdraw from the people and activities they once enjoyed.

TBI sufferers who experience emotional symptoms may not notice these problems on their own. If a family member has noticeable mood or personality changes after suffering a TBI, it’s critical to seek professional help, as these effects may not resolve on their own.

Cognitive Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Following a traumatic brain injury, a person may be confused or have trouble concentrating, remembering or thinking clearly. He or she may experience perseveration, meaning the uncontrollable repetition of a word, phrase, or gesture without prompt.

As with emotional symptoms of a TBI, suffers may not be immediately aware that these effects are related to the injury. Following a health care professional’s recommendation for treatment, therapy, and follow-up care will increase the chances of easing these effects.

Getting Assistance if You’re the Victim of Negligence

Depending on your individual situation, you may be able to file a claim to get financial help with your related medical bills and lost wages as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

In some scenarios, a person’s careless act leads to another person’s traumatic brain injury. However, the victim should not be left to endure the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you or a family member sustained a brain injury from a car accident, fall, or other incident involving negligence, we can help. We welcome you to contact CaseyGerry, an experienced law firm that can help you seek recovery for the burden of this injury. Our attorneys can explain the next steps and what you can expect. You can reach our firm at (619) 238-1811.