A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious injury that can be suffered as a result of a fall, when a worker is struck by a falling object, when someone is involved in a car accident and in many other ways. Workers need to know how serious a TBI can be because it could change their life.
Initially, a TBI may cause short-term symptoms that could heal with time. An injury victim may lose consciousness for a few minutes and wake back up. They could have sensitivity to light when they first wake up, or they may be more sensitive to sounds. Many people deal with mental fog or confusion. These are just a few examples of potential short-term symptoms that may occur immediately after an injury.
But what about issues that last for a long time? There are various potential TBI issues that could last for months, years or life.
Concerns where healing may take time
The long-term symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be significantly different from case to case, largely depending on the part of the brain that was damaged and the severity of the TBI. Some long-term symptoms may include:
- Cognitive problems: Difficulty with memory, attention, concentration and problem-solving abilities.
- Physical effects: Persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue and issues with balance or coordination.
- Behavioral or emotional differences: Emotional instability, mood swings, anxiety and depression, irritability or increased aggression.
- Communication Challenges: Difficulty with speech, understanding language or expressing thoughts and ideas.
- Sleep disorders: Insomnia, changes in sleep patterns or excessive sleepiness during the day.
- Social and relationship difficulties: Challenges in maintaining relationships, social isolation, and problems with social cues or interactions.
These symptoms may show up immediately, right after a TBI occurs, or they can get worse and develop gradually over time. In some cases, individuals might experience improvement or recovery from certain symptoms over the long term with proper rehabilitation and therapy. However, some symptoms may persist for years or even be permanent, especially in cases of severe or repeated TBIs.
Medical professionals specializing in brain injuries can help manage and treat these long-term symptoms. Rehabilitation programs, cognitive therapy, physical therapy and medications may be recommended to help individuals cope with and improve their quality of life following a traumatic brain injury.
All of this treatment can be expensive, however, and an injured worker may also be concerned about lost wages and whether or not they’ll ever be able to return to work. It’s crucial, then, to understand the necessary legal steps to seek proper workers’ compensation benefits and/or personal injury damages in the wake of sustaining an injury that may be symptomatic for some time.