One of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries is motor vehicle accidents. While car crashes are only one of many risk factors that lead to TBI, they are a significant cause in the United States alone, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that almost 5 million people sustain such injuries each year. If you are the victim of a TBI, whether you are a car, truck, or motorcycle rider, you are at risk of experiencing severe financial losses. To recover from these losses, you can file a personal injury claim with the help of an attorney.
One of the most challenging aspects of treating TBI is communicating with patients who may not understand your medical terminology and follow-up appointments.
Many individuals who have sustained a TBI often find it challenging to comprehend what doctors are saying and remember the information being taught. Moreover, the brain injury itself can cause the patient to become confused about what is happening around them and what to do about it.
Table of Contents
The Physical Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
1. Seizures
Seizures are a common injury that is also one of the most severe. Typically, electrical signals travel through the brain along pathways referred to as neural pathways. When these signals are disrupted, it can cause seizures that trigger physical and mental symptoms like muscle stiffness and loss of consciousness. These seizures usually occur between 1-3 days after the TBI occurs, but there are times when they can occur up to 15 years after a trauma. These seizures commonly appear in clusters and can be triggered by emotional stress or fatigue.
2. Brain Swelling
Another physical effect of TBI is brain swelling, which is the body’s way of preventing further damage to the brain. This swelling can cause a build-up of fluid surrounding the brain, putting pressure on it and making it harder for oxygen to get in. This swelling can be life-threatening and cause permanent damage to other parts of your body.
The Mental Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
1. Cognitive Dysfunction
Cognitive dysfunction is a broad term for any mental disorder that hinders one’s ability to think clearly. There are many different causes of cognitive dysfunction, but brain injury is one of them. Cognitive dysfunction can affect one’s ability to make good decisions and stay focused, which can be detrimental in everyday situations such as school and work.
2. Depression
Another mental effect of TBI is depression. It is common for patients to develop depression due to losing their ability to function as they did before the accident. Depression can interfere with every aspect of life, making it hard for the patient to work and socialize with others. Moreover, if a patient has injured someone else in their negligence, feelings of guilt may lead to depression.
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe injuries that can occur to the human body. Any accident or injury that causes trauma to a person’s brain is likely to cause problems with cognitive function and motor skills, leading to social isolation. However, it is essential to note that TBIs can be prevented by wearing one’s seatbelt and avoiding dangerous driving habits. This way, even high-risk individuals can avoid this severe injury.