Head injuries are extremely common after a collision, especially when that crash involves a large truck like a tractor-trailer. In fact, car accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries.
A traumatic brain injury can affect you for the rest of your life. The side effects and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) will vary by the individual and the type of injury. They can dramatically change your life. However, understanding TBIs is the first step to dealing with changes in yourself or your loved one.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is a wound that affects the brain. It can be caused by blunt trauma, a puncture wound, or even the quick and forceful back and forth movement the brain often experiences in a car accident.
Unfortunately, many people who suffer from a TBI do not realize that they have this condition right away. If you believe that a head injury has occurred to yourself or someone else, it is important to get that person to a medical professional immediately. TBIs can be fatal.
It can also take time for symptoms of a TBI to appear. In fact, some symptoms may not occur until hours or even days after an accident. Even if you have already been to the doctor, go back if you start displaying symptoms of a TBI.
Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The effects of a TBI will depend on the severity of the injury. When you experience a mild TBI, you may experience:
- Problems concentrating
- Memory issues
- Mood swings
- Frustration and agitation
- Impaired thinking abilities, particularly for complex issues
In more severe cases, you will likely experience a loss of consciousness for at least 30 minutes. Most TBIs that are not accompanied by a loss of consciousness are mild, but not always. Memory loss will often last longer than 24 hours in severe cases. Other side effects may include:
- Function problems in the arms or legs
- Abnormal speech of language abilities
- Emotional and personality changes
- Paralysis or spasticity
- Chronic pain
- Frequent fatigue
- Poor sleeping habits or patterns
- Trouble eating or controlling eating
- Issues with bladder and bowel function and control
Of course, those with serious TBIs will also often have side effects associated with milder TBIs, but they will usually last longer.
TBIs and Personal Injury Cases
Because a TBI can dramatically affect your life for years to come, it is important to present evidence regarding your injuries as part of your personal injury claim. You will likely need to follow up medical care, therapy, and other training to “reprogram” your thinking after a TBI. It can also affect whether you can or go back to a specific career. All of these aspects of a TBI will have a profound impact on your damages in a personal injury claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Georgia as a result of an accident, you need to call in professional help. The GA Injury Advocates are here for you. Call our legal team to learn more or to schedule a free case evaluation.