A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain suffers damage from a sudden force, such as a jolt, bump, or blow to the head. While commonly referred to as a “closed-head injury,” TBIs can also result from penetrating injuries, where an object breaks through the skull and impacts the brain.
Understanding the causes, consequences, and legal implications of TBIs is crucial, whether you’re seeking advice from a traumatic brain injury lawyer or looking to learn about the long-term health effects.
The information provided here serves as a valuable starting point to help you gain deeper insight into TBIs and what steps you can take to address them effectively.
Understanding traumatic brain injury
What can cause a traumatic brain injury?
Below are some common causes of traumatic brain injury that our law firm tends to see.
Motor vehicle crashes
Motorcycle, bicycle, truck, pedestrian, and car accidents are among the leading causes of TBIs. A sudden impact or jolt to the head during a collision can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe injuries.
These injuries can occur regardless of whether the person directly strikes their head on a surface or experiences rapid acceleration and deceleration forces (e.g., whiplash).
Motor vehicle crashes can also lead to mild TBI, which shares symptoms with concussions. Proper management is needed to avoid long-term consequences, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and a gradual return to normal activities.
Falls
Falls are a significant cause of TBIs, particularly among two vulnerable groups: children and older adults. Falls from ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, or slippery floors can lead to head injuries.
In elderly individuals, conditions like osteoporosis or impaired balance increase the risk of serious falls, while young children may sustain TBIs from playground accidents or falling off furniture.
Assaults
Physical violence, such as blows to the head, gunshot wounds, or shaken baby syndrome, can result in TBIs. These injuries are often caused by direct trauma or penetrating injuries, leading to damage to brain tissue.
Assault-related TBIs can vary in severity depending on the force and nature of the attack. Moderate traumatic brain injury, for example, may involve skull fractures and a temporary loss of consciousness, with symptoms that may require observation but generally heal without surgery. Even injuries classified as moderate can have significant long-term effects on a person’s life.
Types of traumatic brain injuries
There are several types of traumatic brain injuries, each with unique characteristics and implications:
- Concussion: This is a mild type of TBI caused by a blow to the head or body that can lead to temporary brain dysfunction. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, and dizziness, but they typically resolve with time and rest.
- Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by a direct blow to the head. This type of TBI can result in bleeding and swelling within the brain tissue, potentially leading to more serious complications.
- Diffuse axonal injury: This severe type of TBI occurs when a violent blow or jolt to the head causes widespread damage to brain cells. It disrupts brain function and can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Penetrating head injury: This type of TBI happens when an object penetrates the skull and damages brain tissue. Such injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.
What happens after you’ve had a brain injury?
After a sudden injury to the brain, the brain typically works immediately to repair any internal damage or injury to brain tissue. In fact, one-third of brain injury patients recover with only short-lived symptoms. Within the first six months, they typically return to almost normal pre-injury brain and body function.
However, the remaining two-thirds of brain injury patients do not recover as quickly. Sometimes, they do not ever recover fully. For those patients, there is long-term or lifetime damage to the brain that can last for years after the injury occurred.
Secondary complications can last just as long. And in some cases, traumatic brain injury effects are not onset at the time of the injury but arise later. Each year, 80,000-90,000 people experience the onset of long-term or lifelong disabilities associated with a TBI.
There are several types of long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury including physical, emotional, and/or social problems.
The issues can last for a few days or up to the rest of their lives, depending on how severe of an injury they sustained. For those patients suffering long-term disabilities associated with TBI, they may require ongoing care to help with their recovery.
For patients who have sustained a moderate or severe TBI, the social, emotional, financial, and physical consequences sometimes lead to long-term or life-long health problems, and ongoing medical care. The issue is frequently described as being similar to the effects of a chronic disease.
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and a series of diagnostic tests. These tests help determine the extent of the injury and guide treatment plans:
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the brain and skull. It is often the first imaging test performed in emergency settings to quickly assess brain injuries.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain and skull. It provides more detailed information than a CT scan and is useful for detecting subtle brain injuries.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain and can help diagnose seizures and other brain disorders that may result from a TBI.
What are some of the long-term physical effects of traumatic brain injuries?
Common long-term physical effects of a TBI include, but are not limited to:
- Blurred vision/visual difficulties
- Car sickness or motion sickness
- Change or loss in taste/smell
- Difficulty reading
- Memory loss
- Heartbeat or blood pressure irregularities
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Short term memory problems
- Difficulty with executive function
- Tiredness for no reason
- Headaches/migraines
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Degenerative brain disease
Sensory problems and vision changes
Sensory problems and vision changes are common symptoms following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These issues can significantly affect daily life and may require specialized treatment:
- Blurred vision: Damage to the eyes or brain can cause blurred vision, making it difficult to see clearly.
- Double vision: Also known as diplopia, double vision can occur due to damage to the eyes or brain, leading to seeing two images of a single object.
- Sensitivity to light: Known as photophobia, this condition can result from damage to the eyes or brain, causing discomfort or pain in bright light.
- Hearing loss: TBI can damage the ears or brain, leading to partial or complete hearing loss.
- Tinnitus: This is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can result from damage to the ears or brain, often causing significant distress.
Hearing loss and tinnitus
Hearing loss and tinnitus are prevalent symptoms among people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These auditory issues can stem from various causes:
- Damage to the ears: Direct trauma to the ears can result in hearing loss and tinnitus, affecting the ability to hear and process sounds.
- Damage to the brain: Injury to the brain regions responsible for hearing can lead to auditory problems, including hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Infection: Post-TBI infections can exacerbate hearing issues, leading to further complications.
- Medications: Certain medications prescribed after a TBI can have side effects that include hearing loss and tinnitus, necessitating careful management by healthcare providers.
By understanding the different types of brain injuries, the diagnostic processes, and the sensory and auditory complications that can arise, people and their caregivers can better navigate the challenges of traumatic brain injury and seek appropriate treatment and support.
What are some of the long-term mental health and emotional effects of traumatic brain injuries?
Common long-term mental health and emotional effects of a TBI include, but are not limited to:
Anxiety
Traumatic brain injuries can heighten feelings of fear, worry, or unease, often without a clear cause. This anxiety can manifest as general nervousness, panic attacks, or social anxiety, making it difficult to interact with others or handle daily stressors. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can lead to serious long-term cognitive effects.
Depression
Many TBI survivors experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of hopelessness. Depression can arise from physical brain changes or as a reaction to the challenges of adjusting to a post-injury lifestyle.
Personality (mood) changes/mood swings
TBIs can alter brain regions that regulate emotions, leading to sudden or extreme mood swings. Individuals may become more irritable, overly emotional, or, in some cases, emotionally detached. These changes can strain personal and professional relationships.
Difficulty controlling impulses
Damage to the brain’s frontal lobe may impair self-regulation, causing impulsive decisions, inappropriate behavior, or trouble adhering to social norms. This can lead to issues in relationships and employment.
Sleep disturbance
TBI survivors often face challenges falling asleep, staying asleep, or maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Insomnia or chronic fatigue can exacerbate other mental health symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
Irritability
Increased sensitivity to minor frustrations or perceived slights is common. This heightened irritability can make day-to-day interactions more challenging and create conflict in personal and professional settings.
Difficulty concentrating
TBIs often impair the brain’s ability to maintain focus on tasks. Individuals may feel easily distracted or struggle to complete activities that require sustained attention, impacting work performance and personal responsibilities.
Difficulty finding things
Memory impairments can lead to challenges in locating objects, recalling recent events, or organizing information. These difficulties may result in frustration and reduced independence.
Loss of focus
Even when attempting to concentrate, individuals with a TBI may find it hard to stay on task. This can make it difficult to complete everyday activities or meet deadlines, leading to feelings of inadequacy or frustration.
Feeling overwhelmed
Post-TBI, the brain often has reduced capacity for handling multiple stimuli or tasks at once. Situations that once felt manageable may now feel daunting, triggering stress or emotional shutdowns.
Getting lost
Spatial disorientation or impaired memory can lead to difficulties navigating familiar routes or understanding directions. This can create anxiety, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Low energy
Chronic fatigue is a common issue after a TBI, resulting from both the physical injury and the mental strain of adapting to cognitive or emotional changes. This low energy can make it challenging to do previously enjoyed activities or maintain daily routines.
Physical therapy plays a role in the rehabilitation process, aiding patients in relearning essential daily activities and facilitating independent living post-injury.
What are some of the long-term social and relationship consequences of traumatic brain injuries?
Common long-term social and relationship consequences of a TBI include, but are not limited to:
- Higher likelihood of death
- Lower rates of employment
- Reduced participation in activities
- Overall lower quality of life
Also disturbing are the potential long-term effects of a TBI suffered during childhood, when a child’s brain is still in development. If a child receives a TBI of any severity, it may disrupt his or her emotional, intellectual, or social development, or limit his or her participation in sports.
The consequences of TBIs can also impact a child’s health, thinking, and in particular learning and impulse control abilities. It is also important to consider the social impacts of TBIs on children, as stunted social participation can have lifelong effects during a key time in growing and developing into a productive adult.
Any time the brain sustains an injury, there is cause for concern. Fortunately, not all TBIs result in serious or long-lasting damage.
How to best avoid a traumatic brain injury
Be smart and safe – do your best to avoid any injury to the head if possible, by practicing the following preventative measures:
- Wear your seat belt
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Do not text or use a cell phone while driving
- Do not text or use a cell phone while walking
- Wear a helmet while playing sports
- Prevent falls at home by installing handrails, removing tripping hazards, improving lighting in your home, and using non-slip mats where appropriate
- Get regular eye exams
Remember that if you do receive any type of head injury, promptly seek medical treatment if that injury concerns you or causes behavioral changes so that your condition can be evaluated.
If you have been impacted by a TBI through no fault of your own, an Allen & Allen traumatic brain injury lawyer can help. Call 866-388-1307 for a free consultation with a Virginia traumatic brain injury attorney today.