Traumatic brain injuries are the result of violent hits and jolts to the head or body. These often happen in serious car accidents or falls. While some injuries, like broken bones, can generally heal within a few months, a traumatic brain injury can have implications on your life for years to come.
Immediate symptoms
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have a wide variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury. The Mayo Clinic outlines these symptoms, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Speech issues
- Abnormal sleep habits
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Seizures
- Coordination loss
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Coma
- Slurred speech
- Bleeding
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood and personality changes
Long-term effects
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports on the long-term effects of a TBI, focusing on studies on moderate and severe cases up to five years after the injury. They found that 30% of people found that their condition worsened over the following years. Those who have suffered this injury are more likely to have seizures, infections, pneumonia and accidental drug poisoning.
Over half of those studied were moderately or severely disabled for at least five years after their injury. Half also no longer have a job and returned to the hospital at least once in the five years after the injury. A brain injury can change the way that you live in your own body and mind, and the way in which you move throughout the world.
These injuries can alter your ability to drive, read, attend school, work and complete other daily tasks. The long-term effects of a TBI can be life-changing.
Those involved in an accident that involve a TBI may be entitled to compensation from the party responsible for the injury. Skelton Slusher Barnhill Watkins Wells PLLC, has attorneys experienced with personal injury litigation to assist you with your case.