There are more than 5 million Americans today who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As a result, many of these people have required long-term assistance. Cognitive, behavioral and communicative disabilities are some of the common outcomes following a severe traumatic brain injury.

Common Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to moderate to severe, depending on the amount of brain damage. It's important to seek immediate medical treatment after an accident, even if you don't notice any initial symptoms of a TBI since many cases involving head trauma are non-symptomatic until several days or even weeks after the initial injury.

Symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury include: 

  • loss of consciousness for several seconds or minutes;
  • dizziness, headaches, confusion, or lightheadedness;
  • blurred vision;
  • ringing in the ears;
  • bad taste in the mouth;
  • fatigue;
  • loss of sleep;
  • behavioral or mood changes; and
  • loss of memory retention or concentration. 

Moderate and severe traumatic brain injury symptoms are similar to mild symptoms; however, they usually worsen or won't go away.

In addition, a moderate or severe TBI may result in the following additional symptoms: 

  • concurring vomiting or nausea;
  • convulsions or seizures;
  • inability to wake up from sleeping;
  • pupil dilation;
  • slurred speech;
  • weakness or numbness in extremities;
  • loss of coordination; and
  • increased restlessness or agitation. 

These types of brain injuries can easily result in long-term or permanent damage, especially if they do not receive immediate treatment. 

Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The type of disabilities that can develop from a traumatic brain injury will vary depending on the severity and location of the head injury. The age and general health of the person who experienced the head injury will also be a factor.

Most people who have experienced severe TBI can suffer from some kind of cognitive disability. The processes that make up cognitive abilities are: 

  • thinking and reasoning;
  • problem solving;
  • planning and organizing;
  • information processing; and
  • memory - This represents the most common ability to be impaired among head trauma patients. 

Considering these head injury impairments can make it difficult to resume pre-injury work-related activities, you or your loved one may not be able to return to work. Speaking with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you understand what options may be available to seek compensation for your current and future lost wages in addition to your medical treatments.

Sensory problems may also result from a traumatic brain injury. These can involve vision problems, especially hand-eye coordination that can prohibit you from: 

  • driving a car;
  • working complex machinery; or
  • playing sports. 

Emotional and behavior problems are the most difficult disabilities to handle for many people, which can include a variety of psychiatric problems and personality changes when head trauma is concerned. These types of changes can be difficult for the victim as well as their family and support system. Emotional therapy is often suggested in these situations, for the victim and their family.

Contacting an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a traffic accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you may be eligible for to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case.