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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when there is a sudden and violent impact to the head. It can happen during a car accident, a fall, or playing sports. This type of injury also occurs when an object such as a shrapnel, bullet, or shattered piece of skull goes through the head.
In many cases, TBI is typically classified as mild or severe. While mild TBI may affect brain cells temporarily, severe cases often cause physical damage that may last a lifetime. When the effects of TBI last for a long time, they often render the victims unable to live life as they used to. Below are some of the known long-term effects of TBI:
Memory Problems
One of the most common long-term effects of a TBI is trouble with memory. The brain stores all our memories, from what we did last summer to what we had for breakfast. After a TBI, victims usually find it hard to remember past events or store new information. They might forget names, lose track of time, or even forget to do everyday tasks like brushing their teeth. More often than not, the incessant memory problems render them unable to work.
Difficulty Concentrating
Focusing on a task can become very challenging after a TBI. Imagine trying to read a book while someone is playing loud music right next to you. That’s what concentrating can feel like for someone with a TBI. They might find it hard to pay attention at work, follow instructions, or complete assignments on time.
Mood Changes
The brain also controls our emotions. After a TBI, a person might experience sudden mood swings. They could feel happy one moment and then suddenly feel very sad or angry. These changes in mood can be confusing and frustrating for both the person with the injury and their loved ones. Sometimes, people with TBI might also feel anxious or depressed, even when there’s no history of any of these mental health conditions.
Mobility Challenges
A TBI can affect how the body moves and works. Some people might have trouble with balance and coordination, making it hard to walk or pick up objects. Others might experience weakness or paralysis in certain parts of their body. Simple tasks like tying shoelaces or buttoning a shirt can become difficult. Often the victim may require a caregiver for the rest of their lifetime.
Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders
Sleep is important for everyone, especially for someone recovering from a TBI. Unfortunately, many people with TBI have trouble sleeping. Depending on the nature of the injury, they might have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or they might sleep too much. Unfortunately, poor sleep routines or habits can worsen other symptoms like memory problems and mood changes.
Communication Issues
Talking and understanding language can be tough after a TBI. Some people might have trouble finding the right words, speaking clearly, or understanding what others are saying. This can make social interactions hard and lead to feelings of isolation.
Sensory Changes
Our senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—are also controlled by the brain. A TBI can change how these senses work. Some people might become more sensitive to lights and sounds, while others might have trouble with their vision or hearing. These changes can make everyday environments, like classrooms or playgrounds, overwhelming.
Personality Changes
A TBI can also affect a person’s personality. They might act differently than they did before the injury. For example, a once outgoing and friendly person might become shy and withdrawn. These changes can be hard for friends and family to understand and accept.
Providing Support for TBI Patients
As highlighted above, TBI patients are often unable to live life as they used to after the injury. As such, they require all the support they can get if their life is to regain any semblance of normalcy. Here are some of the ways TBI patients may need support after an injury:
Medical Rehabilitation
TBI patients often require long-term rehabilitation because they may need to relearn basic skills like talking or walking. Typically, they may need rehabilitation from a team of specialists that comprise physical therapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, etc.
Support from Family and Friends
Family and friends play a big role in helping someone with a TBI. They can offer encouragement, help with tasks, and provide emotional support. It’s important for loved ones to be patient and understanding, as recovery from a TBI can be a long and difficult journey.
Prevention
While we can’t always prevent accidents from happening, there are steps we can take to protect our brains. Wearing helmets while riding bikes or playing contact sports, using seat belts in cars, and making homes safer to prevent falls are all good ways to reduce the risk of a TBI.
Proving Liability in TBI Cases
If you or anyone you know has suffered from TBI as a result of another party’s negligence, it’s only fair that the negligent party should be made to pay for their actions. TBI often renders victims incapacitated for life and the medical bills tend to pile up very fast. When you add this to the loss of income due to the inability to walk, you’d agree that managing TBI can be financially draining.
In order to establish liability, all you need to do is prove that the defendant acted recklessly or negligently, and their actions directly caused the injury. If you think you have a case, you might want to contact an expert personal injury lawyer before the statute of limitation expires. And if you need help covering medical bills or personal expenses while the case is ongoing, you should consider applying for pre-settlement funding.
Conclusion
Traumatic brain injury can have many long-term effects that change a person’s life in big ways. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and physical challenges are just a few of the hurdles that people with TBI might face. With the right care, support, and understanding, those affected by TBI can lead fulfilling lives.
Call Us for Risk-Free Legal Funding
If your loved one has suffered traumatic brain injury from a negligent accident, they may file a lawsuit to recover damages and apply for legal funding before their case settles. Call us on our toll-free today at (866) 407-6404 to schedule a simple consultation and discuss your available options.