A Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI) is often associated with a physical
impairment, however, the more problematic effects of TBI
often involve the individual's cognition, emotional
functioning, and behavior. These impact interpersonal
relationships, school, and work.
The effects of TBI include mental and physical
impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, and
social limitations. Rarely are the effects of a TBI
limited to a clearly identifiable and defined set of
symptoms and consequences. A TBI often influences a wide
spectrum of human functions, affecting many areas of life.
Directly following a brain injury, other, more urgent
medical problems may be more apparent and in need of
immediate attention, masking a case of mild TBI. Even a
mild form of a traumatic brain injury can cause
impairments, sometimes not evident until later in life. In
many cases, the consequences of TBI continue to effect
cognitive functioning throughout a lifespan - presenting
difficulties as new challenges arise.
Depending on the severity of initial brain trauma, many
neurological consequences may present themselves in the
days or months immediately following the injury. Some of
these neurological impairments might include movement
disorders, seizures, headaches, visual impairment, and/or
sleep disorders.
Additional medical conditions sometimes include
gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal disorders, metabolic,
nutritional, pulmonary complications, and dermatologic
problems.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury are often varied,
occur singly or in combination, and may change in severity
and presentation over time. In combination any of the
following TBI effects create numerous functional
difficulties:
- Memory impairment;
- Difficulty
concentrating, limited attention span;
- Deficits in language
use;
- Visual perception
difficulties;
- Limited ability for
insight, abstract reasoning, judgment and planning;
The effects of a traumatic
brain injury are not only limited to medical and
functional disorders but often include behavioral and
social impairment.
Common behavioral deficits include decreased ability to
initiate responses, verbal and physical aggression,
agitation, learning difficulties, shallow self-awareness,
altered sexual functioning, and impulsivity. Mood
disorders, personality changes, altered emotional control,
depression, and anxiety are also prevalent following a
traumatic brain injury.
The combination of medical, functional and behavioral
disorders that often effect individuals with TBI can
result in tragic and serious consequences including:
- Difficulty with
interpersonal relationships
- Divorce
- Depression
- Suicide
- Chronic Unemployment
- Substance Abuse
The effects of TBI in
children can interfere with the process of new learning in
school, society and about themselves. Children with TBI
may have difficulties building and maintaining peer
relationships, functioning within the public school
environment, and understanding and responding to social
cues. Parents can be faced with significant parenting
challenges, including coping with changed academic
aspirations and family goals.
Adults with TBI may encounter problems as they try and
resume daily activities following inpatient care. As
environmental demands are placed on them, problems in the
workplace and home may become obvious. Overall family
functioning and relationships can be disrupted.
Because the consequences of a traumatic brain injury can
be widespread, including medical, behavioral and social
disorders, and devastating in their effects, a thorough
plan of treatment and rehabilitation is needed to optimize
the outcomes over the course of recovery.
Read About
Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment & Rehabilitation >
If you or a loved one have
suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) please
contact us or
complete our online
case evaluation for a free consultation. You may have
the right to seek compensation, let us help you and your
family.
Traumatic Brain Injury Questions & Answers:
What is traumatic
brain injury?
What are the most
common causes of traumatic brain injury?
What are the side
effects of brain injury?
Who is most at risk
for sustaining a brain injury?
What physical damages
can occur after a brain injury?
How is a traumatic
brain injury diagnosed?
What are cerebral
contusions?
How many people
suffer traumatic brain injury each year?
How is traumatic
brain injury treated?
Can traumatic brain
injury be prevented?
Why is traumatic
brain injury referred to as the “Silent Epidemic”?
What is being done
to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries?
If a loved one or
I have suffered a brain injury, should I contact an
attorney?
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