Motor vehicle crashes can lead to several injuries, including those to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries are a critical concern due to their complexity and potential long-term impacts.
Understanding TBIs, from their onset to their potential long-term effects, is crucial for both victims and those providing support.
Symptoms don’t always show up right away
One of the most deceptive aspects of TBIs is that symptoms can take days or even weeks to manifest. Initially, a person might seem fine after an incident, but signs like headaches, dizziness, confusion or mood changes may gradually emerge. This delayed onset can make connecting the symptoms to the original incident challenging.
Direct hits aren’t necessary for an injury
A common misconception about TBIs is that they always result from direct hits to the head. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. TBIs can also occur from sudden jolts or violent movements that cause the brain to move inside the skull. This means that even in the absence of an obvious head injury, TBIs can still occur, making them a concern as a result of a variety of incidents, from sports injuries to car accidents.
Long-term effects of TBIs can impact a victim’s entire life
The long-term effects of TBIs are a significant matter of concern. While some people may recover fully, others might experience long-lasting results. These can include cognitive impairments like memory loss or difficulty concentrating, emotional changes such as increased irritability or depression and even physical symptoms like chronic pain or sleep disturbances.
The severity and duration of a TBI can vary widely, but they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to work. Victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim to help offset the expenses related to the injury if their harm was caused by another’s actions or inactions.