Lasting Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries on Mental and Physical Health
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when there is a sudden blow or jolt to the head, which causes trauma and disrupts brain functioning. Motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports and recreational activities, and assaults are common causes of TBIs; falls are the most common, and almost half of all TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths are caused by falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “about 2.8 million TBI-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in the United States” in 2013 (the most recent year available), and it led to the deaths of almost 50,000 people. TBIs often lead to long-term disability and can lead to lasting mental and physical health problems.
Results of TBI on physical and mental health and wellbeing
The physical impact of a traumatic brain injury can be severe, lasting, and debilitating. It is essential that victims recover the damages they are entitled to, as treatment can be costly:
- Headaches may persist for a long period of time after suffering a TBI, due to required surgical procedures or small collections of blood or fluid within the skull.
- Injury to the brainstem and cerebellum can lead to dizziness, decreased coordination, and balance problems.
- Long-lasting sleep difficulties are common in individuals who suffer from TBI. Common sleep disorders associated with TBI’s include excessive daytime sleepiness (fatigue), delayed sleep phase syndrome, and narcolepsy—a condition that causes a person to fall asleep without warning or intention at any moment throughout the day.
- Nerve damage can result from injuries at the base of the skull, which may cause sensory perception difficulties, vision problems, numbness, and paralysis of facial muscles.
The limited functioning caused by TBIs makes it difficult for individuals to complete daily tasks and can cause or exacerbate mental health problems that may already be present.
The following are important factors to understand about how a TBI can impact an individual’s psychological and mental health:
- Psychiatric illnesses may develop at some point during the first year after a TBI occurs. Damage to the parts of the brain that control emotion and behavior may cause disorders related to mood, anxiety, personality, or post-traumatic stress. Impulse control and addiction disorders may also occur.
- Confusion, concentration issues, and memory issues are prevalent immediately following a TBI and may continue to occur for the rest of an individual’s life. TBI impacts short-term memory more than long-term memory.
- Irritability and outbursts are seen among individuals in the form of yelling, throwing objects, slamming doors, and/or threatening loved ones.
The Atlanta and Savannah TBI lawyers at Harris Lowry Manton LLP have decades of experience with catastrophic injury cases. If you think you might have sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, our Georgia trial lawyers will fight for your rights. For a free consultation, use our contact form or call us in Atlanta at 404-961-7650, or in Savannah at 912-651-9967.
Harris Lowry Manton LLP is a dedicated full-service trial law firm. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers fight for the injured throughout every step of the legal process. We explain how litigation works from the moment you come into one of our offices in Atlanta or Savannah until your case is solved. Our legal team has achieved remarkable success because we leave no stone unturned when investigating our client’ claims and what should have been done to prevent their injuries. We file claims against all responsible parties — not just the most obvious one.
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