Long Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

The brain is the control center of the body. It is the most complex organ in the human body. It sends messages to different parts of our body, it interprets our senses, it controls our body movement, as well as our behavior. The average adult brain weighs about 3 pounds and consists of fat, water, protein, carbohydrates, and salts. It also contains blood vessels and nerves.

Beneath the skull, there are three protective layers that protect the brain – the thick outermost layer known as the dura mater, the thin layer of connective tissue known as the arachnoid, and the thin membrane that hugs the surface of the brain known as the pia mater. Below the arachnoid mater is the cerebrospinal fluid which cushions the brain and spinal cord and circulates around them to remove impurities.

Any action that affects any of the parts of the brain may result in brain injury. Brain injury can be caused by external actions such as a blow to the head, or internal actions such as deprivation of oxygen. Depending on the extent of your injury, it could change your life forever. If you, or someone you love, has been involved in a brain injury that was someone else’s responsibility you should contact an experienced Philadelphia traumatic brain injury lawyer. 

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any injury to the brain that results from a violent blow to the head, or penetration injuries such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull. Traumatic brain injury symptoms vary in severity from mild to moderate and severe.

Mild TBI – is characterized by a wide range of symptoms including headaches, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, mood swings, memory loss, lack of concentration, and fatigue. A person with a mild TBI may or may experience loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. 

Moderate to Severe TBI – is characterized by persistent headaches, nausea or vomiting, seizures, convulsions, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, inability to awaken from sleep, weakness or numbness in the extremities, restlessness, increased confusion, and loss of coordination. 

Long Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

While some people may make a full recovery from a TBI, other patients suffer with long term effects. The long terms effects of a TBI include:

Altered consciousness – a person suffering from moderate to severe TBI may lose consciousness and remain in a coma or vegetative state for a long period of time. They may never regain consciousness and may eventually suffer brain death.

Physical complications – TBI can result in lasting physical complications such as vertigo, frequent headaches, blood vessel damage in the brain, fluid buildup in the brain, and recurrent seizures.

Intellectual problems – people who have had TBI may notice changes in their thinking skills as well as their executive function and self-regulation skills.

Sensory problems – TBI may cause long term sensory problems such as skin tingling or pain, impaired eye-hand coordination, and persistent ringing in the ears.

Can You Get Financial Compensation for a TBI?

A TBI may have lifelong consequences on your life and your ability to do the things that you were able to do before the injury. You may need long term medical care and rehabilitation. You may also need to make adjustments to your lifestyle and the type of work you can do. All of these changes can impose a huge financial burden on you and your family. If your TBI was caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover the damages you suffer as a result of your injury. You may be able to recover your medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and for your pain and suffering.

Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney for Help

If you have suffered a TBI from a fall, car accident, assault, or any other action caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful action, you need an experienced Philadelphia traumatic brain. injury attorney who will passionately fight to get justice for you. To find out how we can help you, call Rosenbaum & Associates at 215-569-0200 to schedule a free consultation with one of our passionate Philadelphia personal injury attorneys.