What Are 3 Symptoms of a Brain Injury?

The human brain is, unfortunately, susceptible to many types of traumatic injuries. When any type of brain injury occurs, the victim is likely to suffer a host of short and long-term medical complications, and there is always a possibility for a brain injury to result in some type of permanent harm. Therefore, if you or a loved one recently suffered a brain injury of any kind, it’s vital to understand not only the medical complications you could face but also the potential legal proceedings you may need to navigate the secure compensation from a party responsible for the injury.

Treating brain injuries can be very difficult due to the unpredictable nature of these injuries. A seemingly mild brain injury can potentially result in life-changing permanent disabilities for the victim, while a seemingly severe brain injury may result in minimal long-term damage to the victim. Generally, there are three types of symptoms that any brain injury can cause.

Physical Impairment

The brain controls every bodily process, both those consciously made and those the body performs without conscious input. When the brain is injured, the location of the injury typically informs the type and severity of the physical effects the victim will experience. A few of the most common physical symptoms that result from brain injuries include:

• Diminished movement, impaired coordination, and reduced range of motion.
• Paralysis and loss of physical sensation in parts of the body.
• Persistent headaches and migraines.
• Vision or hearing loss.

Every victim will face unique challenges as they recover from their brain injury. Many of the physical symptoms that result from brain injuries will improve over time, while others will worsen or cause permanent disruption for the victim.

Neurological Impairment

It’s possible for cognitive and neurological functions to be diminished by any traumatic brain injury. In addition, brain functions can be impaired for a long time. When it comes to neurological problems, a few of the most commonly reported symptoms are:

• Diminished cognitive ability, such as reduced pattern recognition or problem-solving capabilities.
• Sensory processing difficulties, such as diminished or confused vision or hearing.
• Sudden loss of consciousness, even after initial recovery. For example, fainting spells may result from neurological damage.

Some of these symptoms can improve over time with appropriate treatment, but many will persist for years or permanently.

Social and Behavioral Problems

Any brain injury can cause disruptions that interfere with the victim’s ability to work and maintain personal relationships. These symptoms generally include the following:

• Memory loss and difficulty making new memories following initial recovery.
• Mood and personality changes.
• Problems with communication, such as language processing and understanding others.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the symptoms a brain injury may cause. Unfortunately, most people who suffer traumatic brain injuries will require extensive ongoing care, monitoring, and rehabilitation. Some will eventually regain lost function, while others will contend with disabilities for years to come. However, if you have suffered any type of brain injury at work or due to the negligent actions of another party, you may have options for legal recourse that will make recovery a bit easier for you and your family.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries?

A: Even seemingly mild traumatic brain injuries can result in a host of symptoms, including memory loss, sensory disruptions, persistent headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and changes to mood and personality. Many people can recover from their brain injuries with time and proper rehabilitative care, but there is always a chance for a brain injury to have permanent effects.

Q: What Are the Most Common Traumatic Brain Injuries?

A: The most commonly reported brain injuries across the United States are concussions. A concussion is a closed-head brain injury resulting from the brain hitting the inside of the skull. These injuries are most likely to occur among car accident victims and professional athletes who play contact sports. For example, most players in the National Football League have suffered at least one concussion.

Q: Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Permanent?

A: Almost every traumatic brain injury will entail some type of long-term or permanent harm to the victim. Even a seemingly mild concussion has a high chance of causing persistent symptoms, and brain injury symptoms are often unpredictable. For example, it is possible for a brain injury to cause a set of symptoms that appear to improve over time, only for the victim to start displaying different or worsened symptoms months or even years after their injury.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Heal From a Brain Injury?

A: One of the most difficult aspects of brain injury treatment is the unpredictable nature of most brain injuries. The human brain is extraordinarily complex, and it’s possible for multiple people to suffer seemingly identical injuries but have vastly different symptoms and recovery experiences. In addition, the time required to heal from a brain injury depends on many factors, such as the individual’s overall medical condition, preexisting health concerns, and other variables.

Q: Can I File a Civil Suit for a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A: If you or a loved one recently suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other incident resulting from another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct, you could have grounds to file a civil claim against them. A personal injury suit could enable you to secure compensation for your medical expenses, long-term treatment costs, and lost income as long as you can prove you suffered a brain injury because of the other party’s actions. If you think you have grounds for this type of claim, it is imperative to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler has an experienced team of attorneys with years of successful cases behind us, including those in which we have represented the victims of all types of traumatic brain injuries. If you believe another party caused your recent injury or if you suffered a traumatic brain injury at work, our firm could help you recover as fully as possible. Contact us today to learn more about the legal services we can offer to victims of traumatic brain injuries.