What Are the Long-Term Effects of a TBI?

Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Be Life-Altering

When an accident causes a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) it’s undoubtedly a devastating experience. It can be frightening when all of a sudden you have memory problems or can’t function as you did before. The long-term consequences of a traumatic brain injury can range from cognitive difficulties to physical impairments and even a shorter life span. Here are some challenges someone with a brain injury could face throughout their lifetime.

Long-Term Complications of a TBI

Someone with a severe TBI often faces years of undergoing medical treatments and therapies and relying on medications to manage symptoms. Some of the most common secondary conditions that occur with a brain injury are the following:

Changes to a Person’s State of Consciousness

A moderate to severe TBI can cause someone to have problems with being responsive, aware, or conscious and may include:

• Comatose state (unaware or unresponsive to stimulus).
• Vegetative state (unaware of surroundings, but may still be able to make sounds or have reflexes and move).
• Minimally conscious state (some signs of awareness).
• Brain death (no activity in the brain or brain stem).

Cognitive Issues

A significant brain injury can also pose cognitive issues such as:

• Memory loss.
• Learning challenges.
• Unable to reason.
• Lack of concentration and attention.
• Lack of problem-solving skills.
• Unable to make decisions or plan.
• Unable to begin or complete tasks.

Physical Issues

A traumatic brain injury can have a severe effect on someone’s physical ability and they may have issues with or be more prone to the following:

• Seizures.
• Fluid buildup in the brain.
• Infections.
• Damage to blood vessels.
• Headaches.
• Vertigo.
• Paralysis.
• Loss of vision.

A TBI may pose communication problems such as difficulty speaking or understanding others. Many TBI victims also struggle with anxiety, depression, mood swings, anger, and other emotional issues.

How to Get Help After Sustaining a TBI

Traumatic brain injuries pose many life-long challenges for victims. Not only are there physical consequences, but it can also be mentally overwhelming. Sustaining a severe TBI often means a lifetime of medical visits, treatments, medication, and therapies which can take a tremendous financial toll on victims and their families. If you’ve sustained a TBI due to the negligence of another party, we understand how devastating the situation can be. Know that you can count on our team of skilled attorneys for the support and guidance you need when seeking justice.

It’s Easy With Montesi. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. Contact Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC today at (901) 526-2126.