Traumatic Brain Injuries: Complications of a Lifelong Injury

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Complications of a Lifelong Injury

When people speak of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), they are often referring to generalizations of temporary brain trauma following an accident; something that is treated in a hospital until it is cured, rather than the possible lifelong effects that are common with these types of injuries.  Unlike other injuries, a TBI is often invisible, long-term, and can occur from a variety of accidents.  Causes of a TBI can range from sports injuries to car accidents and are commonly misdiagnosed or even completely missed if the injury is not severe.  Even the most minor of head injuries, however, can have latent effects on a person’s brain in the form of a TBI.

What is a TBI?

A TBI is a complex injury that affects a person’s ability to think or act in the same way as they could before an accident.  This is because, unlike an injury to a limb which limits the use of that limb until the injury heals, injuries to a person’s brain can affect their ability to solve problems, speak, control their moods, and many other functions.  The brain also heals differently than other parts of the body and cannot be fixed merely by surgery or medicine.  What complicates the healing process for doctors and healthcare providers is that no two brain injuries are alike.  Each individual’s brain injury requires specialized treatment, which often slows the healing process until an appropriate care regimen is discovered.

Cause and Effects

A TBI can be caused by any blow to a person’s head, including falls, car accidents, violence, sports injuries or explosive blasts such as those that are experienced by soldiers in combat situations.  The level of damage to a person’s brain depends on many factors or combination of factors.  According to the Mayo Clinic, brain injuries can occur from direct brain cell damage at the point of impact on the skull, damage to cells as the brain moves inside the skull, tearing of cells from a rotational impact, or widespread damage from a blast.

From athletes to car accident victims, traumatic brain injuries can be costly, both physically and mentally.  One study of 3,000 head trauma cases showed that over half showed signs of moderate to severe disability as long as one year after the injury.  The study also showed that after four years post-injury most of the injured individuals still lived with family members and relied on them for care.  Many families do not have the resources or expertise to care for individuals with a TBI, but have no other choice as lifelong care options can be very expensive.  Depending on when a person was injured, which can be early for many young, aspiring athletes, care for a TBI can reach millions of dollars.

The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C.

 

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to know that you are not alone.  Holding liable the person(s) responsible for the injury is the first step in being able to afford the care that you and your family deserve.  The professionals at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. can help you learn more about your options for recovery to ensure that you can receive the care you need to heal.

Call today for a free consultation

(847) 395-2200