The brain is a crucial part of the human body. Therefore, when the brain suffers any kind of injury, it can have lasting effects, impacting the way you function, think, and feel.
Among the many lasting effects a victim of a brain injury could experience, emotional and psychological effects are some of the most common.
If you or a loved one have sustained a brain injury as a result of another party’s wrongful actions, do not hesitate to consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer for help.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that results from a significant bump or impact to the head or neck.
TBIs are classified as either penetrating or non-penetrating injuries. With a penetrating injury, a foreign object, like a bullet, passes through the skull into the brain. A non-penetrating, or closed, injury involves injury contained within the brain.
Traumatic brain injuries can range in severity from mild to severe. Symptoms depend on the type of injury and the severity but regularly include physical, cognitive, behavioral, or sensory issues. Some of the common signs that could indicate the existence of a brain injury include, but are not limited to:
- Loss of balance
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Seizures
- Issues with concentration
- Loss of consciousness
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Behavior that is out of the norm
Brain injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, including falls and physical abuse. Accidents, including vehicular collisions, are the most typical cause of traumatic brain injury.
Long-Term Effects of a TBI: Emotional and Psychological Consequences
The physical consequences of a brain injury can range in severity from chronic headaches to coma. However, many don’t realize a traumatic brain injury can also cause mental and emotional damage.
A brain injury results in trauma to certain areas of the brain, which could lead to psychological and emotional changes, depending on the site of the injury. These could include the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability and anger
- Mood swings
- Impulse control
- Difficulty in social situations
- Verbal and physical outbursts
- Lack of empathy
Living with the effects of a TBI can make it difficult to have a normal life. These injuries can notably impact the work, relationships, and social interactions of the sufferer. And while medical intervention may be able to alleviate some of these mental and emotional consequences, the stress and frustration remain.
What to Do if You or Someone You Love Suffers a Brain Injury
Sustaining a traumatic brain injury is challenging enough as it is, but if the injury is inflicted as a result of another’s negligence or wrongdoing, it can add another layer of disappointment. Should this be the case, you may have the opportunity to recover financial compensation for your injury-related losses.
An experienced personal injury attorney can review the details of your case and determine how to proceed for the best possible outcome.