Over 80 percent of people who suffer a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) will not suffer any long-term effects of their injury and typically recover quickly. However, less than 20 percent of people who suffer Traumatic Brain Injuries, usually moderate to severe injuries, may have to face long-term symptoms and issues as a result.
Moderate to severe TBI can result in people suffering from physical and mental disabilities. Even when it may seem that a TBI patient has fully recovered from their brain injury, the chances are that they will be suffering symptoms for the rest of their lives.
The damage caused to the brain of a patient who has suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury can result in the patient experiencing motor deficits, their motor skills or movement could be negatively affected. Some of the possible long-term motor deficits and disabilities caused by TBI include:
- Paralysis.
- Vision issues.
- Loss of fine motor skills.
- Difficulty thinking and remembering.
- Muscle stiffness or uncontrolled movement.
- Problems swallowing, talking, or walking.
If you or someone you know has suffered a Traumatic brain injury, whether it is a severe or mild injury, you could be entitled to compensation. Call The Law Place today to schedule a free consultation for your case at (941) 444-4444.
What Are the Effects of Suffering a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?
If you suffer a severe TBI, you may encounter further long-term effects, which can make the recovery process considerably longer. Some of these effects will disappear over time as it is possible to recover from some of them. Further long-lasting effects of severe Traumatic Brain Injuries include:
- Cognitive Effects – The long-lasting effects of this nature can involve memory problems, difficultly with concentration, difficulty with language processing, slow speed of processing, impulsiveness, confusion, and distractability.
- Physical Effects – These effects can be hugely debilitating to a person and their quality of life if they suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury. They can include sleeping disorders, physical paralysis, seizures, loss of stamina, chronic pain, hormonal changes, difficulty regulating body temperature, and difficulty swallowing.
- Effects on Hearing – A TBI can result in a person losing or having a decreased hearing, tinnitus, and an increased sensitivity or intolerance to sounds around them.
- Effects on Vision – Traumatic brain injuries may lead to a person suffering a loss of vision, diplopia, blurred vision, involuntary eye movements, problems judging distance, and photophobia.
- Speech and Language Effects – Sometimes, even a mild traumatic brain injury may result in a victim having slurred speech, aphasia, problems with reading comprehension, and them speaking either very fast or very slow.
- Social-Emotional or Behavioral Effects – A person who suffers a Traumatic Brain Injury may suffer a lack of motivation, have fluctuating emotions, depression, aggression, dependant behaviors, irritability, and denial or lack of awareness.
- Sensory and Perceptual Effects – Traumatic Brain Injury can result in people having difficulty perceiving temperature, difficulty distinguishes between touch and pressure sensations, difficulty positioning their arms and legs, and difficulty understanding and integrating the information they receive through their five senses.
If you have any further questions or queries concerning the long-term impacts that Traumatic Brain Injuries can have, contact The Law Place in Florida today. Our legal team has over 75 years of combined experience; therefore, one of our brain injury lawyers will use their experience to give you all the help and legal advice that you may be seeking.
Can Head Injuries Cause Problems Years Later?
It is important to know that head injuries can cause problems years after suffering an accident involving trauma to your head.
If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, a type of Traumatic Brain Injury, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention as the ramifications of such an injury can be huge. A concussion is a head injury, often caused by an excessive blow, impact, or force to the head that can consequently injure the brain. A brain injury can potentially lead to a loss of consciousness and can impair a person’s emotional, physical, and cognitive features for days or even weeks.
There have recently been many studies focusing on the lasting effects that concussions and other types of brain injury can have on a person in their life. Professionals are much more aware of the short-term impacts but do believe that concussions and other types of brain injury increase the chance of a person suffering memory loss later in their life.
Some lasting effects of a head injury can lead to partial or total disability later on in a person’s life. This can mean that a person will be prevented from making a functional and psychological recovery.
To avoid any lasting effects, it is advised that if you have suffered a brain injury, severe or not, that you should immediately be evaluated by a doctor. After suffering a TBI, you should take the necessary time to recover and slowly increase your physical activity and exercise under the close supervision of your doctor. During the recovery process for your brain injury, you should avoid placing unnecessary strain on your brain until your learning processes have made a full recovery. You may also find that seeking treatment for any sleep and mood disturbances you may be facing can help aid your TBI recovery.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any lasting impacts of their brain injury, such as any cognitive symptoms, even if it’s years after you suffered the TBI and it was never seen as severe, you should seek medical attention.
The lasting effects of injuries to the head can cause problems and can deeply affect a person. If you have any further queries concerning the lasting effects of a brain injury, contact The Law Place today. One of our brain injury lawyers will try their hardest to answer any questions you may have. If you or someone you know has been affected by a brain injury, we could help you claim compensation. The lasting impacts of a brain injury, such as memory loss, can affect you greatly, and you shouldn’t have to face it alone. The Law Place in Florida can help you. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. Can Someone Fully Recover From Traumatic Brain Injury?
It is possible for a person to fully recover from a Traumatic brain injury. However, it will very much depend on how severe the brain injury sustained was and who the person is with the brain injury.
In the early stages of recovery, the eyes of the person who suffered the brain injury may remain closed, and they may show no signs of awareness. This is just because they could have experienced swelling, bleeding, or changes in brain chemistry after suffering their accident, and therefore the function of their healthy brain tissue is likely to be affected. Over time, a person’s eyes are likely to reopen, and sleep-wake cycles commonly begin.
In the early stages of recovery, a person could be in a coma, vegetative state or a minimally conscious state. If your family memory has suffered a brain injury, it can seem worrying, but often it simply just part of the recovery process for a brain injury.
After a person has suffered a brain injury, they are likely to experience a period of confusion and disorientation. This is sometimes referred to as post-traumatic amnesia. The correct name for post-traumatic amnesia is a confusional state. During this period of recovery, a person who has suffered a brain injury is likely to face difficulty in remembering things and paying attention. This stage of recovery can result in the victim of a brain injury being nervous, agitated, restless, and easily frustrated. It is also likely that they are to get upset easily and have their sleeping pattern disrupted.
This can be very disturbing for family members and loved ones to witness as their loved one who has suffered a brain injury is now behaving so uncharacteristically. This stage of recovery can be incredibly tough; ups and downs are completely normal. It is important to remember that often, a person’s ability to get better and improve will increase over time.
A person can fully recover from a Traumatic Brain Injury, depending on a variety of circumstances. However, recovery is more common than what a lot of people assume. If a person is going to make a full recovery, it will be noticeable in the first six months after a person has suffered their brain injury. This is because the fastest improvement usually occurs within the first six months.
No one knows why some people can experience a full recovery, and others cannot. For this reason, it is recommended that people who are injured protect their brains and ensure they’re healthy for the rest of their lives. You can maintain the health of your brain by exercising and avoiding alcohol and other drugs.
If you have any further questions concerning TBI, contact The Law Place today. One of our brain injury lawyers will be able to use their experience to answer any questions you have as best as they can. Additionally, if you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury and are seeking legal representation, contact our legal team today to schedule a free consultation.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are classified based on their severity and the nature of the injury. Understanding the different types of TBIs can help in diagnosing the extent of the injury and determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Here are the main types of TBIs:
Concussion
The most common type of TBI, a concussion, can occur after an impact to the head or a sudden movement that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and temporary loss of consciousness. While most people recover fully from concussions, repeated concussions can lead to longer-lasting brain damage.
Contusion
A contusion is a bruise on the brain that causes bleeding and swelling in the brain tissue. Contusions are usually caused by a direct impact to the head. Large contusions may require surgical removal if they cause significant pressure on the brain.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury
This type of injury occurs when the force impacting the head is strong enough not only to cause a contusion at the site of impact but also to move the brain and cause it to hit the opposite side of the skull, creating a second contusion.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
DAI is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is rapidly and forcefully rotated or shaken. This can shear and damage the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers (axons), disrupting normal brain function. It’s common in vehicle accidents and child abuse (shaken baby syndrome). Symptoms can be mild or severe, including persistent coma in the most serious cases.
Penetrating Injury
A penetrating, or open head injury, occurs when an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain. This type of TBI is extremely serious and often results in significant damage to the areas of the brain where the object travels through. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to control bleeding and reduce the risk of infection.
Anoxic Brain Injury
While not caused by a physical impact, an anoxic brain injury results when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Causes can include serious head trauma that impacts breathing or blood flow. This type of injury can lead to cells dying throughout the brain, which can significantly affect brain function.
Closed Head Injury
A closed head injury is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) where the brain is injured due to a blow or jolt to the head, but the skull remains intact. Unlike open head injuries, there is no penetration of the skull. Closed head injuries can result in brain swelling, bruising, and bleeding, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and even severe neurological impairments. These injuries often occur in accidents like car crashes, falls, and sports injuries. Immediate medical evaluation and treatment are essential to manage the effects and prevent further complications.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Why You Should Choose The Law Place
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial, especially when dealing with the complexities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Here’s why The Law Place is the best choice for your legal needs:
- No Win, No Fee Policy – At The Law Place, we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means you won’t have to worry about legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This policy allows you to pursue your claim without any financial risk, giving you peace of mind during a challenging time.
- Free Consultation – We offer a free consultation to discuss your case in detail. During this initial meeting, you can share your story, ask questions, and learn about your legal options. Our attorneys will provide honest and clear advice about the best course of action for your situation.
- Avvo Rating – Many of our attorneys have earned an Avvo rating of 10.0, the highest possible rating on this independent legal review site. This reflects our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and ethical practice. Our high ratings are a testament to our dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
- 75 Years of Combined Experience – Our team of attorneys brings over 75 years of combined legal experience to the table. This extensive experience means we have the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex TBI cases effectively.
- Team-Based Approach – At The Law Place, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our team-based approach ensures that multiple attorneys review and contribute to your case, providing diverse perspectives and strategies. This comprehensive approach enhances our ability to build a strong and compelling case on your behalf.
- Dedicated and Personalized Support – We are committed to providing dedicated and personalized support to each of our clients. We take the time to understand your unique situation and the specific details of your injury. Our attorneys work closely with you, offering compassionate guidance and keeping you informed at every step of the legal process.
- Proven Track Record – Our proven track record of successful case outcomes speaks for itself. We have helped numerous clients secure fair compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI or any other serious injury, contact The Law Place today for a free consultation. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve. Let us be your advocates and support system during this difficult time.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury? FAQ
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head, disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild to moderate or severe TBI, depending on the extent of the damage to brain cells and other structures.
What are the common causes of TBI?
TBIs can result from various incidents, including sports injuries, car accidents, falls, combat injuries, and abuse cases like shaken baby syndrome. These injuries can also occur due to skull fractures, blood clots, or closed head injuries where the brain is shaken within the skull.
What are the long-term effects of a mild TBI?
While mild TBIs, such as concussions, often resolve with time, they can still cause persistent symptoms. Long-term effects may include headaches, dizziness, double vision, mood swings, and difficulties with memory and concentration.
What are the long-term effects of a moderate or severe TBI?
Moderate or severe TBIs can lead to significant and lasting impacts on brain function and overall health. These long-term effects may include:
- Cognitive Impairments – Problems with memory, attention, and executive functions.
- Physical Disabilities – Loss of coordination, chronic pain, and mobility issues often requiring physical therapy.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes – Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
- Neurological Disorders – Increased risk of conditions such as epilepsy and other nervous system disorders.
- Severe Brain Injury Consequences – Some individuals may experience severely altered consciousness, including coma or a state called brain death.
Can a TBI lead to other health complications?
Yes, TBIs can lead to numerous health complications. Brain swelling and blood clots can exacerbate the initial injury, leading to further damage. Additionally, TBIs can cause or worsen neurological disorders and increase the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, as indicated by organizations like the Brain Injury Association.
How does a TBI affect the nervous system?
A TBI can disrupt the nervous system by damaging nerve fibers and blood vessels within the brain, leading to impaired brain function. This can result in a wide range of symptoms, including sensory deficits, motor impairments, and difficulties with autonomic functions.
What is the impact of a TBI on mental health?
TBIs can significantly impact mental health, leading to persistent symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety. These emotional changes can affect relationships, work, and overall quality of life, requiring comprehensive medical and psychological support.
What treatments are available for TBI patients?
Treatment for TBI patients varies depending on the severity of the injury and the specific symptoms. It often includes:
- Emergency Medical Care – Immediate treatment to manage brain swelling, blood clots, and other acute issues.
- Rehabilitation Therapies – Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help regain lost functions.
- Medications – To manage symptoms such as pain, seizures, and mood disorders.
- Supportive Care – Ongoing care to assist with daily activities and maintain quality of life.
How can physical therapy help with TBI recovery?
Physical therapy can play a crucial role in TBI recovery by helping to restore movement and strength, improve coordination, and manage pain. Therapists work with patients to develop personalized exercise programs that address specific physical impairments caused by the TBI.
What resources are available for TBI patients and their families?
Organizations like the Brain Injury Association provide valuable resources, including information on disease control, support groups, and advocacy. These resources can help TBI patients and their families navigate the challenges of living with a serious injury and accessing necessary services.
Why is it important to seek medical treatment immediately after head trauma?
Seeking medical treatment immediately after head trauma is crucial to prevent complications and start the recovery process. Early intervention can help manage brain swelling, control bleeding, and reduce the risk of long-term damage. Prompt medical attention also allows for early diagnosis and treatment of any underlying conditions related to the TBI.
Can a traumatic brain injury lead to a spinal cord injury?
Yes, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can sometimes be associated with a spinal cord injury, especially in cases of severe trauma such as car accidents or falls. The same force that causes a TBI can also damage the spinal cord, leading to additional complications such as paralysis, loss of sensation, and other neurological deficits. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat both injuries promptly to minimize long-term effects.
What should I do if I suspect someone has suffered a TBI?
If you suspect someone has suffered a TBI, it is essential to seek medical help immediately. Look for signs such as loss of consciousness, severe headache, confusion, double vision, and mood swings. Ensure the person receives prompt medical evaluation and treatment to mitigate the effects of the traumatic injury.
Should I Contact a Lawyer?
Brain injuries can show up many years later after suffering a head injury. This is because of the complex and complicated nature of the brain. When such an organ is damaged, it can be difficult to know what the lasting damage is.
It is very much possible for a person to suffer no major TBI symptoms after suffering a head injury but will later in life begin to experience symptoms such as seizures.
This is why at The Law Place, we recommend that even if you have suffered a minor head injury that you seek professional medical attention and have your injury fully evaluated. Brain injuries are incredibly serious and can have life-altering consequences.
Contact The Law Place in Florida if you have any further questions or think that you may want to make a brain injury claim. We can give you all the advice you need. Call us today on (941) 444-4444.
