Any time an individual’s head suffers trauma, whether that trauma is forceful contact with the concrete, an impact from a falling or flying object, or a penetrative injury from a bullet or a sharp object, the individual’s brain can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity and can be measured by the length of time the victim loses consciousness or with the Glasgow Coma Scale.
TBIs often do not have physical symptoms. Because of this, it can be easy for a victim to assume that he or she is not injured and not receive medical attention for the injury. If you are involved in an accident, even if you feel you are not injured, always seek medical attention to determine whether you are suffering from an invisible injury. If you are injured, prompt diagnosis can make it easier for you to make a full recovery and your record of receiving treatment can be an important piece of evidence to support your personal injury claim. Below are a few long-term complications that a TBI victim can suffer:
Depression
A TBI can cause an individual to suffer from depression, which can in turn cause him or her to suffer from decreased job performance and social isolation. A lack of motivation can also cause the victim to put off getting the medical treatment he or she needs for the TBI or for other injuries sustained in the accident that caused the TBI. In some cases, depression can lead to suicide.
Cognitive Deficit
An individual who suffered a TBI in the past can suffer from cognitive difficulties months or even years following the injury. These include memory loss, difficulty processing complex information, difficulty learning new information and applying it to related tasks or situations, managing his or her emotions, and completing domestic and career-related tasks.
Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism refers to any condition that causes the difficulties with movement that are seen in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. These include tremors, difficulty with speech, and muscle stiffness. A TBI can cause an individual to suffer from these issues by damaging the neurons in the brain that control movement.
Seizures
An individual who suffers a mild TBI, such as a concussion, can suffer from seizures later in life. A seizure is the result of an abnormal electrical activity in the brain and it can cause sudden bodily convulsion, though this does not always happen. Seizures can be treated with medication.
Work with an Experienced La Crosse Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by another party’s negligence, consider filing a personal injury claim to seek monetary compensation for your damages. To learn more about this process, speak with one of the experienced personal injury lawyers at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. Contact our office today to schedule your initial legal consultation with a member of our team. We can answer your questions and help you seek the money you deserve for your damages.