Most people are aware of the immediate effects that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have. Headaches, blackouts and confusion are all common symptoms.
Many people will experience concussion-like symptoms within a week. For others, the effects of concussion can last several months or even years. We don’t need to tell you how long-term concussions can affect your life. You can suffer from emotional, cognitive, physical, and financial consequences.
This article will explore these costs, and discuss how you can receive compensation from a traumatic injury lawyer in the event that you have been burdened by the negligence or carelessness of others.
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What is TBI?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain disorder caused by an external force. This outside force can be a blow to the head or jolt. TBIs that are most common include concussions, which occur when the head is jolted or shaken. This can cause the brain to swell, bleed, or bruise.
A penetrating TBI occurs when an object, such as a shrapnel or bullet, penetrates the brain. The brain is damaged by the object entering it, causing damage to brain tissue, blood vessels, or nerves.
What are the common symptoms of TBI?
Mild TBI symptoms include:
- Headache
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Consciousness loss
- Sleepiness
- Instability
- Difficulty in speaking
- Memory Problems
Moderate and severe TBI symptoms include:
- Consciousness loss for several minutes or hours
- Headache that continues or worsens
- Prolonged vomiting
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of both or one pupil
- Sleeping and not being able to wake up
- Numbness or weakness in the fingers and toes
- Confusion is a serious issue
- Angry or combative behavior
- Slurred speech
- Coma
What are some common causes of TBIs?
Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other common causes are car accidents, assaults and firearm injuries.
Why are my concussion symptoms persistent?
It’s possible that you know someone who had a concussion and suffered from a headache for a few days. They then went on to live their lives. Why won’t the symptoms of TBI go away?
Post-concussion Syndrome is possible if your symptoms persist. It is important to conduct more studies in order to better understand the reasons why some people experience this syndrome. According to current research, it is more prevalent in women. However, this could be due to the fact that more women seek treatment.
Age is a factor in post-concussion symptoms. Older TBI patients are more likely to develop the syndrome. Post-concussion is also more common in people who have suffered previous TBIs.
How do I Get Diagnosed?
There is no definitive test to diagnose post-concussion symptoms, as the symptoms are vague and can be attributed other causes. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and review your medical history in relation to the head injury. Your doctor may order a CT or MRI scan of your head in order to check for visible signs of brain injury.
How Post-Concussion Syndrome can Change Your Life
Mental Health. Concussions may cause mood swings. You might cry for no apparent reason, or become enraged over the slightest thing. You may become irritable or agitated. You may become irritable by things that you never noticed before.
You may feel fearful and anxious about a specific situation or the future as a whole. You may feel depressed, sad and empty.
It can even happen to people who have never had mental health issues. A brain injury can intensify mental health struggles for those who had them before the TBI.
Why? Concussions may be accompanied by a wave of stress, which can trigger mental health issues. You may be stressed about getting the right treatment, and frustrated if it doesn’t work as quickly or well as you want. Treatment costs can be expensive and add to your stress.
Inability to perform all the things you used to (participate at social events, complete schoolwork, do well in your job, etc.). You may feel a deep sense of loss or fear about the future if you are unable to do all that you used to (participate in social gatherings, keep up with school work, perform well on the job etc.).
People who have never experienced the post-concussion symptoms may not be empathetic and cause feelings of abandonment or isolation.
Health Cognitive. Cognition is your ability to understand, sort, retain and use information. Concentration can be affected by a TBI. You may feel restless and easily distracted and find it difficult to stick with and finish tasks.
The TBI can also affect your ability to process data. You may not be able to follow television or conversations as well and find it difficult to comprehend written information. Your reaction time may be slower, which could affect your driving.
You may find it hard to complete tasks if you are unable to break down large jobs into smaller ones. You might have difficulty remembering information, finding the right words, or solving problems. You may also act or speak impulsively, or in an inappropriate way.
Physical Health. TBIs may cause speech difficulties, sensory impairment, fatigue, paralysis or weakness, as well as mobility issues. It can also affect your ability drive, work and interact with family members. Sleep patterns can be affected by TBIs. You might be so exhausted that you have difficulty staying awake or falling asleep. TBIs can cause both.
Finances. Medical bills can mount up when you suffer a TBI. Initial evaluations include doctor visits and tests (which may include CT scans or MRIs). The cost of ongoing therapy, rehabilitation and prescription drugs may also be involved. Some TBIs may require adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, etc. Home modifications and in-home assistance are available.
You may lose wages if your TBI prevents you from working in the same capacity or at all.
What Legal Options Do I Have After a TBI?
Yes! You can recover compensation if your injury was caused by the negligence of someone else. You could be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost or diminished wages, and even pain and discomfort.
Las Vegas traumatic brain injury attorneys can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve. This compensation includes past losses but also future losses. An attorney can help you calculate these losses.
You might not be able to recover the full cost of your TBI if you settle with the insurance company without the assistance of an experienced TBI lawyer.
The article Traumatic brain injuries that won’t go away first appeared on Las Vegas personal injury attorneys.