The Long-Term Effects of TBI
Approximately 2.8 million Americans sustain mild to traumatic brain injuries each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as “a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury.” Interestingly, no two brain injuries are the same, even if accident survivors share similar physical, cognitive, or behavioral side effects.
The following scenarios can result in a traumatic brain injury:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Military combat
- Sports collisions
- Acts of medical negligence
- Violent crimes
The immediate and long-term side effects associated with TBI can affect all aspects of your life. For this reason, you need to seek immediate medical attention after an injurious accident or event. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to brain injuries. A medical professional can run tests to diagnose your condition and provide treatment options to help mitigate the side effects.
What Happens if a Brain Injury Is Undiagnosed?
The signs and symptoms of a brain injury can take days and even weeks to develop. Unfortunately, a doctor can easily misdiagnose a mild TBI because patients exhibit fewer and less distinct symptoms. If left undiagnosed, a patient may develop serious health complications and cognitive deficits that impact their quality of life.
The following symptoms are characteristic of TBI:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Spinal fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Response delays
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Agitation or aggression
If you’re experiencing these symptoms after an accident, it’s imperative that you seek medical assistance immediately. Mood disorders, including depression and inexplicable bouts of irritation and aggression, are common symptoms of an undiagnosed TBI.
Long-Term Damage Associated with TBI
Depending on the severity of your case, you may need to meet with doctors and occupational therapists for the rest of your life. Some of your existing symptoms may never go away, and it’s not uncommon for TBI patients to develop additional side effects in the future.
The long-term effects of a brain injury are different for each patient. Some of the common symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Coma
- Partial paralysis
- Memory or mood disorders
- Difficulty speaking and navigating conversations
- Numbness in upper or lower extremities
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Retrain Experienced Legal Representation
A brain injury often necessitates ongoing medical care and rehabilitative treatments. If your injury was caused by the negligent, reckless, or criminal actions of another party, contact the brain injury attorneys at The Pittman Firm, P.A. today. We can help you recover compensatory damages that cover your projected medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and more.
Contact The Pittman Firm, P.A. at (850) 784-6997 to explore your legal options with a knowledgeable legal professional.