Traumatic brain injuries are more serious and more common than you think. TBI (traumatic brain injury) contributes to approximately 30 percent of all injury deaths. A TBI is essentially caused by a jerk, shock, or jolt to the head that disturbs the normal functioning of the brain. This can happen at work, while hanging out with friends, while driving, and even at home.
Effects of traumatic brain injury typically include issues from impaired thinking to emotional functioning. These matters do not only impact the individual but people’s families and communities, as well.
There are four most common consequences of traumatic brain injuries:
Cognitive Dysfunctions
The disturbance of normal cognitive functioning will ultimately affect the way a person thinks, remembers, and learns. Various mental abilities are governed by different parts of the brain. This means that a brain injury to a certain lobe may have different effects, depending on the area impacted and the extent of the trauma.
Cognitive dysfunctions can range from issues with memory such as forgetting learned skills, to language loss (aphasia). Reduced concentration, impaired reasoning, insight, and sympathy are also known to be affected when someone has a traumatic brain injury.
Emotional Effects
Any trauma, specifically brain injuries, can lead to changes in emotional reactions. Such alterations are less visible than the cognitive or physical consequences of the injury. This can be one the most difficult to deal with, as it is difficult to resolve and control.
The individual may also be unaware that they are behaving a certain way, and this may affect others around them. Mood swings, frustration, anger, depression, and anxiety are all common emotional challenges for people who experience a TBI. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may also emerge as a severe psychological response to a traumatic experience.
Physical Effects
Many people will experience an issue with mobility. This can take the form of having slower movement and a weaker sense of balance. Those with more serious injuries may even need a wheelchair.
Some may experience weakness or paralysis after a TBI. This type of effect usually impacts only one side of the body, depending on which hemisphere of the brain was afflicted.
Behavioral Effects
Changes in behavior often alternate depending on the severity of the traumatic brain injury. It is critical to be sensitive to behavioral changes following a TBI, as this may be one of the signs of a developing mental disorder.
A common symptom that follows this injury is disinhibition or loss of control over behavior. This can typically result in inappropriate social behavior, such as calling out personal information to acting on a fit of rage. Other behavioral symptoms that may be caused by TBI include impulsiveness, irritability, and aggression.
Another symptom may include obsessive behavior, such as being afraid that one’s possessions will be stolen or repeatedly checking possessions, to create a routine. A surprising behavior that sometimes occurs with a TBI is egocentricity or being more self-centered. Such individuals may appear inconsiderate and focus solely on their own needs.
Going through a traumatic brain injury can be very frightening. TBIs affect not only the individual, but those around him/her. It is important to understand all common symptoms associated with TBI in order to prepare for possible outcomes.
Call 612-INJURED Now!
If you or your loved one is affected by a traumatic injury, the personal injury lawyers at 612-INJURED can help. Call or text us at (612) 465-8733 for all your questions and concerns. We are here for you. If you need a Minnesota brain injury lawyer, our professionals can assist you today.
