Common TBI Complications
A traumatic brain injury can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Whether a person is involved in a car accident, truck accident, or is the victim of nursing home abuse, a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence can cause devastating complications.
At The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., we understand how these complications can impact a person physically, mentally, and financially. We want to help you understand what the immediate and potentially life-long complications of a traumatic brain injury may involve.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is often the result of a significant blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating wound to the head. A TBI affects how the brain functions. Brain function can be disrupted in multiple ways, from the initial trauma of the blow, inflammation in the brain, bleeding in the brain, or chemical alterations to the brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in 2019, there were more than 223,000 hospitalizations for TBI-related injuries.
Common Complications of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The complications stemming from traumatic brain injuries can come in different varieties depending on the location and severity of the injury. Some brain injuries can result in an altered state of consciousness. This change in consciousness can be temporary or permanent and can include:
- Coma
- Vegetative state
- Brain death
Other complications can be physical or cognitive. Examples of physical complications a TBI may cause include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of motor function
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of vision
- Loss of hearing
- Dizziness
Again, these complications may only be temporary and could improve with medical intervention, while others may become chronic problems.
The physical complications of a traumatic brain injury may be obvious. However, the mental complications attributed to a traumatic brain injury can be more difficult to assess. Traumatic brain injuries often result in problems with cognition and communication, as well as emotional and behavioral changes. Some of the most common mental complications associated with traumatic brain injuries include:
- Memory loss
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired decision-making
- Inability to organize thoughts
- Difficulty speaking or writing
- Challenges in communicating
- Trouble finding the right words to use in conversation
- Difficulties understanding nonverbal social cues
- Lack of self-control
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Sudden verbal or physical outbursts
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Irritability
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping patterns
Often, an individual diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury will experience multiple complications, both physical and cognitive.
The Link Between TBIs and Degenerative Brain Disorders
Unfortunately, those impacted by a traumatic brain injury may face other potential complications because of their injury. Although the mechanism is still unclear, studies indicate that traumatic brain injuries may increase a person’s risk of developing degenerative brain diseases. Degenerative brain diseases generally associated with repeated or severe traumatic brain injuries include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia pugilistica
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE
Dementia pugilistica and CTE are often associated with boxing and football. These are contact sports where repeated blows to the head can result in multiple concussions and TBIs over a person’s lifetime. Many of these diseases slowly rob a person of their mobility, identity, and ability to communicate. Often, specialized care is needed to help individuals with these disorders manage everyday tasks.
Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney for Help Today
Being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury is frightening. Not knowing what to expect or what complications you may face can be worse. Your recovery depends on your medical team and your ability to pay for the treatment you need.
At The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., we are dedicated to helping people who were injured by the actions of others pursue the compensation they need. If a negligent individual has turned your life upside down, contact us online or call our office at 757-260-3675 for a free case evaluation.
