Car crashes can lead to many different injuries, one of which is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While some of these harms, such as concussions, are relatively minor in nature, there are others that are truly serious.
A severe TBI has the ability to change a victim’s life drastically. In some cases, these injuries can be fatal. Understanding these kinds of harm can empower victims and their family members to address the situation based on what’s best for a TBI patient’s unique circumstances.
Symptoms and immediate effects
The symptoms of a severe TBI can vary widely based on the injury’s location and extent. They generally include prolonged unconsciousness, profound confusion, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in limbs and convulsions or seizures.
Immediate medical assessment and intervention are crucial to address life-threatening conditions and prevent further brain damage. The acute phase following the injury focuses on stabilizing the patient, assessing the injury’s severity and preventing complications such as increased intracranial pressure or secondary brain injury.
Long-term consequences
The long-term consequences of severe TBI can affect virtually all aspects of an individual’s life. Physically, individuals may experience chronic pain, paralysis or difficulties with coordination and balance.
Cognitive effects can include problems with memory, attention and executive functions. These significantly impact the individual’s ability to perform daily tasks. Emotional and behavioral changes are also common. Victims can experience mood swings, depression, anxiety or changes in personality.
Medical care for a severe TBI is likely going to be a lifelong undertaking. This can be costly, so victims may want to consider pursuing a compensation claim against at-fault parties to help offset the damages caused by their harm.
