Why recovery is uncertain with traumatic brain injury

On Behalf of | Mar 20, 2021 | Blog, Personal Injury |

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is sometimes a consequence of motor vehicle accidents in Georgia. Moderate to severe TBI can indefinitely affect your daily activities since this injury can be both long-lasting and permanent. TBI could cause both mental and physical disabilities that may never improve.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injury

TBI can cause issues such as slowed mental function up to loss of muscle control or paralysis. Some symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:

  • Muscle stiffness or uncontrolled spasms
  • Memory loss and slowed thinking
  • Trouble with vision
  • Difficulty carrying items
  • Difficulty with focus, concentration and attention
  • Difficulty swallowing and appetite changes
  • Seizures
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Difficulty maintaining social and professional relationships
  • Inability to speak, slurred speech and repetition

Treating traumatic brain injury

With early diagnosis, treatment of TBI can begin. Rehabilitation and physical and mental therapy can help to improve symptoms in time. Unfortunately, there is often no way to tell how long symptoms may last.

The person often has to learn to adjust to a new reality, sometimes becoming completely dependent on caregivers. Some learn new ways to complete daily activities, such as writing instruction lists and using visual aids. Additionally, assistive devices like wheelchairs may be needed to move around.

The costs associated with treating TBI can be exponential, often requiring treatment for the rest of the individual’s life. A personal injury attorney may be an asset in answering questions you have about covering these medical costs.

Traumatic brain injury prognosis

It is thought that most of the recovery from TBI will occur within the first year after the accident. However, recovery is also highly dependent on the severity of the TBI and the individual. This is why it can be hard to determine the outcome for those who suffer from TBI.

Though symptoms of TBI can disappear in time, most people will have at least some symptoms for the rest of their lives. Cognitive and physical rehabilitation might become a daily part of their routine for many years.