The CDC reports that 50% of people with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) will experience decline or death within five years of the injury. Long term effects of TBI can be cognitive, physical, and emotional.
Bobby Jones Law discusses the long-term effects of TBI.
TBI Long Term Effects
For people with moderate or severe TBI, the following holds true:
- Fifty-two percent experience decline or death within five years. Only 26% say that their symptoms improved in a five-year period.
- Moderate and severe TBI may significantly change life expectancy.
- Complications are more likely, including infection, pneumonia, and seizures.
- There is a 50% chance of another hospitalization.
- Twelve percent live in residential inpatient facilities.
A person with TBI may be more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol and have an increased risk of drug poisoning.
Understanding the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury is a brain injury that occurs suddenly from trauma. It is different from a congenital or degenerative brain condition.
There are several ways that TBIs can be categorized.
Severity
One way to characterize TBI is by severity. A concussion may be mild, moderate, or severe. A mild concussion can cause disorientation without a loss of consciousness. A severe concussion will cause unconsciousness and cognitive impairment.
Penetrating or non-penetrating (closed)
A traumatic brain injury can occur with or without penetration of the brain. Shaking alone can cause injury, or the brain may strike the skull internally. An object penetrating the brain may also cause traumatic injury.
By type of injury
A TBI may be characterized by the type of injury.
- Diffuse axonal injury—Scattered damage to a widespread area of brain grey matter, devastating to brain function and often fatal
- Hemorrhage, hematoma—Bleeding in or from the brain
- Concussion—Violent shaking of the brain
- Skull fracture—Broken bones of the skull
- Bruise, contusion—When the brain suffers bruising or cuts
- Penetrating injury—When an object pierces the brain, cutting or pushing it
Cognitive Challenges: Memory Loss, Concentration Issues, and Mental Fatigue
Traumatic brain injury may result in long-term cognitive deficits. A person may experience changes in learning or may struggle to recall events and information.
Often, these cognitive changes are not visible. A person may have difficulty communicating, leading to frustration, or they may forget appointments or fail to communicate important details. Cognitive deficits may impair a person’s independence and quality of life.
Physical Complications: Chronic Pain, Headaches, and Mobility Issues
The long-term effects of a brain injury may be felt physically. A person may experience:
- Limited mobility. Brain injury can cause muscle weakness and impair coordination. Balance difficulties and muscle tremors may prevent a person from moving freely.
- Organ malfunction. Organs, including the respiratory and excretory systems, may not function normally.
- Senses. Sensory changes may include impaired vision and changes in taste and smell. The person may be bothered by bright lights and loud sounds.
- Fine motor skills. Writing and other fine motor tasks may be difficult.
- Personal care. The injured person may not be able to swallow normally or tend to their personal care.
- Physical pain. Headaches, fatigue, and chronic pain can make daily life difficult and impair emotional well-being.
With any brain injury, it’s important to know that symptoms may vary. Identifying long-term impacts can help the person receive the appropriate therapy and support.
Emotional and Psychological Effects: Navigating Mental Health Impact of TBIs
A traumatic brain injury can be emotionally and psychologically devastating. The person’s life may be changed forever. Their career path may be changed, or social participation impacted. Simple tasks like talking to someone on the phone or running errands may now be difficult.
These changes can have a long-term mental impact. A person may experience anxiety and depression or may feel hopeless. Financial strain may cause worry. The brain injury may cause mood swings and long-term difficulty in regulating emotions. All of these changes can further impair relationships.
Increased Risk of Neurological Diseases After a Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Parkinson’s disease. TBI, even mild TBI, can increase the risk of dementia by 63% to 93%. The increased risk may vary based on the severity of the brain injury and whether the person suffers repeat harm. Researchers say that cell destruction and increased inflammation can lead to neuronal loss and dysfunction.
How TBIs Impact Employment and Daily Life
With TBI injury victims experiencing long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairment, a traumatic brain injury can impact employment and daily life. 55% of people with moderate or severe TBI experience job loss. Career advancement may be unattainable.
The long-term changes in employment and quality of life due to traumatic brain injury are a very real and devastating loss. A person may seek compensation for these losses as part of their claim for compensation.
Seeking Compensation for Long Term TBI-Related Disabilities
Injury claims come with a time limit. If a person doesn’t file their claim within a certain time period following the injury, they lose their right to seek compensation. This can make a brain injury claim complicated when a person has long-term effects, leaving the future uncertain.
The person may need compensation for personal needs and medical care that is expected to last a lifetime.
Seeking compensation for long-term TBI-related disability means anticipating these future expenses. They must be valued, and the value must be calculated to present value.
Experts and evidence must show to a reasonable degree of certainty that expenses are likely to be incurred. Professionals and people with personal knowledge can speak to the ways the person has been hurt physically, emotionally, and cognitively. They can explain how these losses should be valued for compensation.
A lawyer can help you value your claim for the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury.
Contact an Experienced Greenville Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury? You can work with an experienced Greenville personal injury lawyer to seek compensation for the long-term effects. Bobby Jones Law represents brain injury victims in compensation claims. Contact us now.
