Traumatic brain injuries are a common type of injury throughout Massachusetts, and all of the U.S. Generally caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, these injuries can be the result of any number of incidents. Car accidents, assaults, contact during sporting events and workplace accidents are all common causes of brain injuries. Regardless of the cause, the road to recovery can be a long and difficult one. At Donovan & O’Connor, LLP, we often consult with people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries, and are unsure how their lives will be impacted by their conditions. In this post, we will discuss the effects of such injuries, as well as life after they have occurred.
Immediately following a brain trauma, people may experience a range of symptoms and effects. Generally, the effects of such injuries are dependent on their severity. Some of the most common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. In most cases, these effects are short-term, and dissipate within days or weeks after the injury occurs.
More severe brain injuries, on the other hand, can cause more serious effects, including impaired balance and coordination and weakness in their extremities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, people may have issues with their cognitive functions, including attention deficits and memory loss, or emotional issues, such as anxiety, personality changes or depression. In some cases, these more serious effects may be long-term, and could result in permanent disability.
The symptoms of even mild traumatic brain injuries may return or get worse with over-exertion. As such, it is common for physicians to significantly limit the physical activity of those who have suffered these types of injuries. As they recover, people are often advised to slowly return to their normal activities, including work and school. Furthermore, they may require regular breaks throughout the day, naps and plenty of sleep at night in order to avoid getting fatigued.
While the effects of traumatic brain injuries may be short-term for many, they may be lasting, and life-changing, for others. In these cases, people may require ongoing medical treatment and care, in addition to lifestyle changes. To learn more about the impact of brain trauma, please visit our brain injuries page.