What Are the Long-Term Effects From a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, have the potential to impact a patient for the rest of his or her life. The brain is a highly complex organ that is responsible for reasoning, behavior, emotion, cognitive function, and motor function. A moderate to severe TBI could have a wide range of long-term effects on many aspects of a victim’s life.
Behavioral Effects
The potential effects of a traumatic brain injury in Jersey City can vary dramatically depending on the severity and location of the trauma. One potential outcome is a change in how the victim behaves post-injury. A TBI such as a concussion, contusion, swelling, bleeding, or penetrating injury could cause damage that results in behavioral changes, including:
- Mood swings
- Personality changes
- Aggression
- Outbursts
- Irritability and frustration
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychological distress
- Trouble with self-control
- Reckless tendencies
Different areas of the brain control different moods and emotions. The frontal lobe in the forehead area, for example, is responsible for regulating planning, problem-solving, judgment, and impulse control. Therefore, trauma to this region of the brain could result in behavioral changes and greater risk-taking.
Cognitive Challenges
Traumatic brain injuries can interfere with a victim’s cognitive function, concentration, processing speed, comprehension, and memory. It may be difficult for a brain injury survivor to process new information or utilize cognitive functions such as logic and reasoning. For example, trauma to the left side of the brain can result in trouble communicating, struggling to understand others, and speech impairments.
Physical Incapacity
Many TBI survivors face substantial physical disability and impairment after their injuries that may not fade with time or treatment. Examples include:
- Chronic headaches
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Balance problems
- Nerve damage
- Numbness or paralysis
- Loss of mobility
- Motor deficits
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Muscle spasticity
- Sensory changes
- Chronic fatigue
- Seizures or traumatic epilepsy
Trauma to the brain can also have long-term health complications or lead to secondary conditions, such as infections, strokes, and degenerative diseases.
How a Traumatic Brain Injury Can Affect a Victim’s Life
In personal injury law, traumatic brain injuries are referred to as catastrophic injuries, meaning they have the potential to become long-lasting or permanent injuries that cause severe damage to major bodily functions. Sadly, a victim’s life may never be the same after sustaining a TBI in an accident in New Jersey. Life-changing effects of a TBI can include:
- Permanent physical and/or mental disability
- Inability to return to work at normal capacity
- Inability to earn a living wage at all
- Inability to live independently
- Inability to enjoy favorite hobbies or activities
- Reduced enjoyment or quality of life
- Trouble maintaining relationships with others
- Increased risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease in the future
- Increased long-term mortality and reduced life expectancy
Even with diligent medical care, some TBI patients are unable to make full recoveries from their injuries. Long-term complications can impact every aspect of a patient’s life, from physical health and function to the ability to connect with others on an emotional level. Many TBI victims require lifelong treatments, live-in care, and financial assistance.
Seeking Justice for a Long-Term or Permanent Brain Injury in New Jersey
If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a preventable accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A personal injury claim could help you get your life back and pay for necessary medical care, such as ongoing therapies and rehabilitation. You can also hold someone accountable for causing or contributing to a life-changing brain injury.
Learn more about a potential brain injury case during a free consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C.