Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious health concern that led to over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in 2021 across the United States, averaging about 190 deaths per day. A TBI occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction, typically from a violent blow or jolt, such as during a car accident, slip-and-fall accident, or sports match. In severe cases, it can also lead to long-lasting or permanent damage.

In Alabama, where head-on motor vehicle collisions are common and where nearly one-third of adults aged 65 and older experienced a fall in 2020, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms and long-term effects of a TBI. This understanding can help with timely medical intervention and effective rehabilitation, ensuring better outcomes for those affected​.

Signs and Symptoms of a TBI

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a TBI is crucial, so that medical care can be sought to prevent the worsening of symptoms and to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Immediate care can address swelling or bleeding in the brain, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Additionally, early diagnosis can lead to earlier access to rehabilitation and support services, which are essential for recovery and improving quality of life.

Recognizing symptoms also helps for documenting the TBI for legal and insurance purposes, ensuring that the affected individual receives the necessary compensation for their injuries.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms are often the most immediate and noticeable indicators of a TBI. Being vigilant for these signs following an injury is crucial:

• Headaches: Headaches can vary in intensity and duration, often occurring soon after the injury and persisting for weeks or even months.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseated or vomiting shortly after a TBI often occurs due to increased intracranial pressure or irritation of the brain tissues.

• Fatigue and Drowsiness: Excessive fatigue can result from the brain working harder to heal and function normally.

• Dizziness and Loss of Balance: Even simple tasks like standing up or walking can become challenging, which increases the risk of falls and further injuries.

• Sensory Issues: For example, blurred vision can make it difficult to see clearly, tinnitus can create persistent ringing or buzzing sounds, and bright lights and loud noises can become unbearable.

• Loss of Consciousness: A brief loss of consciousness may result in temporary disorientation or confusion, while prolonged unconsciousness could indicate more severe brain damage.

Cognitive Impairments

TBIs can impact cognitive functions, affecting memory, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving abilities. Monitoring for these changes is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

• Memory Loss: This memory impairment can range from mild forgetfulness to severe amnesia, affecting short-term and long-term memory. New information can be challenging to retain, leading to repeated conversations or forgotten appointments, while past events become hazy or inaccessible.

• Difficulty Concentrating: People with TBIs often struggle to focus on tasks for prolonged periods due to damage to brain regions responsible for attention and concentration, such as the frontal and parietal lobes.

• Slowed Thinking: Areas responsible for executive functions, such as the prefrontal cortex, may also have been affected by the injury, leading to slower thought processes and making decision-making more challenging.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Individuals with TBIs may experience emotional disturbances as well, which can be distressing for the affected individuals and their families.

• Mood Swings: Individuals with TBIs may experience rapid and unexplained changes in mood, ranging from intense happiness to deep sadness, anger, or frustration.

• Depression and Anxiety: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or excessive worry can develop in individuals with TBIs.

• Irritability and Agitation: Increased irritability, anger, and aggression can be symptoms of a TBI, often resulting from damage to areas of the brain that regulate emotions and behavior.

The Long-Term Effects of a TBIsymptoms-and-long-term-effects-of-a-traumatic-brain-injury

The long-term effects of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected. While some people may recover fully within weeks or months, others may experience lifelong challenges. Potential long-term effects include:

• Physical Limitations: Balance and coordination issues may affect daily activities like dressing or driving. Depending on the injury, paralysis or weakness on one side of the body might occur.

• Cognitive Impairments: Memory, concentration, and learning can be severely affected, making following conversations, problem-solving, decision-making, and the management of daily routines difficult.

• Communication Difficulties: A TBI may affect a victim’s ability to find the right words, speak clearly, or understand language, making communication frustrating and potentially leading to social withdrawal.

• Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Depression, anxiety, and personality changes are common. Mood swings, irritability, and difficulty controlling emotions can strain relationships.

These long-term effects often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or support services. However, the financial burden of these needs can be overwhelming for TBI survivors and their families.

Navigating Damages for a TBI

In Alabama, you may be entitled to compensation if your TBI results from someone else’s negligence. This compensation, known as damages, is designed to cover various losses and expenses incurred due to the injury. Damages in a TBI case can include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the costs of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapies, and any future medical care required.

• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: This is compensation for the income you have lost while recovering from the injury. This also includes potential future earnings if the TBI impacts your ability to work or reduces your earning capacity in the long term.

• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. It can include compensation for ongoing pain, depression, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life due to the TBI​.

Get the Help You Need After a TBI

Traumatic brain injuries can have devastating and long-lasting effects on survivors and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI because of someone else’s negligence, you need experienced legal representation.

At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our compassionate and skilled team of Alabama car accident lawyers can help you win the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review, and let us assist you in securing the financial support you need to recover.