Mending an injury to the brain is not as simple as mending a cut or broken bone. The brain controls just about everything we say, do, and think, so any trauma to this essential organ can disrupt a person’s normal body functions.
No two traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are exactly alike and many factors will dictate how long a person’s recovery may take, so it can be difficult to predict the long-term outcomes of those who have sustained head trauma.
Various Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The severity of a TBI is often a significant indicator of how long the brain injury will take to heal and what treatment options are available. Below, we discuss the prognosis for mild, moderate, and severe TBI patients.
Mild TBI
Also known as concussions, mild TBIs make up a majority of traumatic brain injuries. Despite the fact that they are medically considered “minor” because they are often not fatal, it’s important to note that concussions can be serious and lead to persistent symptoms, which may include:
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision disturbances
- Ringing in the ears
- Excessive fatigue
- Memory loss
- Vomiting and nausea
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to light
In general, there are no treatments necessary for patients with concussions, and many of these injuries will heal within one month. A person is typically instructed to stop all physical activities to reduce the chance of sustaining another head injury or worsening their condition. Additionally, about 15-20% of patients may develop post-concussion syndrome, which is the presence of persistent concussion symptoms for multiple months or even years.
Moderate to Severe TBI
When a person’s brain sustains significant trauma in an accident, moderate or severe TBIs can result. Sadly, many of these injuries can lead to long-term deficits or even permanent brain damage. Some of the effects of moderate to severe TBI may include:
- Paralysis
- Spasticity or uncontrolled movements
- Difficulty carrying objects or moving
- Vision problems
- Difficulty thinking and remembering
- Severe anxiety and depression
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic pain or headaches
- Ongoing memory problems
- Slurred speech
- A diminished sense of smell or taste
- Difficulty socializing or forming relationships
Rehabilitation, Therapy, and Other Treatment Options
Whatever type of brain injury an individual sustains, the fact remains that it has the power to change their life forever. However, there are certain treatment options available that can help alleviate symptoms, improve function at home and during normal activities, prevent future complications, and increase a person’s independence.
Here are some types of rehabilitation and therapy options that may be suited for traumatic brain injury survivors:
- Physical therapy improves strength and helps people regain motor functions
- Occupational therapy assists TBI patients in relearning how to do daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, to reintegrate back into society
- Psychiatric care treats disorders that develop following a TBI, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Psychological care helps patients learn coping skills and improve their general well-being
- Speech and language therapy improves a person’s ability to form words, speak, and communicate; it can also be used to relearn chewing and swallowing techniques
- Cognitive therapy improves a person’s memory, planning, judgment, and learning skills and abilities
Helping Brain Injury Survivors Recover the Right Way
If you or a loved one sustained a TBI in an accident due to another person’s negligence, you most likely have legal rights to pursue compensation against the individual. We understand that no amount of money can negate the ordeal that you have been through, but you deserve justice and the compensation necessary to cover the costs of your treatments, make up for lost wages, and help improve your overall quality of life following your accident.
At Effres & Effres, our father-son legal team is committed to protecting the rights of brain injury survivors and their families. With more than three decades of combined legal experience and a track record of successful results, we will stop at nothing to help you through your most trying times.
Contact our Los Angeles brain injury attorneys at (818) 222-9720 to get started with your no-fee, no-obligation consultation!