The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) explains that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption to the normal functions of the brain. A TBI is usually caused by a blow to the head or an object piercing the skull.
You may have questions regarding what are the most common complications of a traumatic brain injury.
Some complications of a TBI may include:
- Being in an altered state of consciousness
- Communication problems
- Sensory issues
- Physical impairments
- Emotional and behavioral problems
- Difficulty thinking, remembering, or organizing your daily routine
If you suspect that you suffered a TBI, you should seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can provide more clarity into your condition and answer your questions. Quick assessment and evaluation may also save your life.
TBIs Can Result in Altered States of Consciousness
TBIs sometimes cause a temporary loss of consciousness at the time of impact, usually ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. However, the Mayo Clinic studies have found that victims who suffer from moderate to severe TBIs may suffer from a prolonged or permanent change in consciousness.
Some forms of altered consciousness include:
- Being in a coma. A coma is a state where the victim is totally unconscious and unaware of the things around them. A comatose person cannot respond to stimuli. Additionally, comas can cause widespread damage to all parts of the brain.
- Being in a vegetative state. After a few days of being in a coma, a person may slip into a vegetative state. During this time, a person may open their eyes or respond to reflexes.
- Being in a minimally conscious state. Individuals in a minimally conscious state may become aware of their environment. They can often process information and respond to stimuli. This is sometimes a precursor to recovery.
- Brain death. Brain death is present when there is no measurable brain activity. After experiencing brain death, a person can only stay alive through artificial means.
Again, if you suspect that you have suffered a TBI, you should seek prompt medical care. Even if you are not sure as to the seriousness of your injuries, the best course is always to seek a medical evaluation. Timely medical treatment can prevent more serious problems in the future.
TBI Patients Experience Communication Problems
Many TBI patients experience communication problems after getting hurt.
Issues may include:
- Difficulty speaking or writing
- Difficulty understanding speech or writing
- The inability to organize one’s own thoughts or ideas
- Difficulty following along with a conversation
- Changes in tone, pitch, or emphasis
- Trouble understanding nonverbal cues
- Trouble starting or stopping conversations
- The inability to use the muscles necessary to form words
TBI patients may experience other issues than those listed here.
Sensory Deficits Can Impair One’s Abilities
TBI patients may also suffer from sensory deficits. These issues hinder their ability to navigate the world around them.
Sensory deficits may include:
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes in the ability to smell
- Tingling feelings or numbness
- Ringing in the ears
- Blind spots or double vision
- A bad taste in the mouth
Physical Problems Often Accompany TBI-Related Injuries
BrainLine, an educational organization that focuses on brain disorders, reports that TBIs often cause physical complications for an injured person. Sometimes, if a TBI is not treated, it can develop into a life-threatening impairment.
Some of the physical complications that may follow a TBI include:
- Increased pressure to the brain
- Brain swelling
- Fluid buildup in the brain
- Low blood pressure
- Blood clots
- Fever
- Pneumonia
- Infections
Emotional and Behavioral Problems
A TBI may cause or worsen emotional or behavioral problems, sometimes even resulting in a change to the victim’s personality.
Emotional problems following a TBI may include:
- Emotional instability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mania
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- A lack of empathy
- Anger
Contact Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP to Fight for You
The lawyers at Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP have been representing injury victims since 1988. Even if you are not sure whether you have the right to bring a claim for your injuries, call us for a free consultation. We will discuss your rights and provide you with advice as to how to protect those rights. If we agree to accept your case, we will conduct a careful and thorough investigation of the unique facts and circumstances of your case, preserve evidence, file all claims in a timely manner, and build a strong case for maximum compensation. You will not be required to pay us any money upfront. We only earn a legal fee when we recover compensation for you.
With expertise in personal injury law, we help clients navigate cases involving car accidents, construction accidents, and severe injuries.
