Few types of personal injuries are more life-altering and devastating than a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a version that isn’t life-threatening can have a serious impact on your quality of life. This is an injury that should be taken seriously, especially if you or someone you care about has recently been in an accident that resulted in a TBI.

While you may not have heard of this type of injury until you experienced it, they are increasingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 1.7 million Americans suffer from TBIs each year. Depending on the severity and type of injury, the symptoms can vary ranging from short-term to long-lasting.

TBIs are a group of injuries resulting when there is sudden trauma to the head that results in brain damage. The injury can come from jolts, jars, blows to the body or head as well as a skull penetration. Common causes are the impact of motor vehicle crashes, slip and fall accidents, assaults, sports, and workplace accidents.

Potential Short-Term Effects of TBI

Immediately following a brain injury, the accident victim may experience a range of effects. If the injury is severe, it’s possible that there could be swelling in the brain and it could lead to a coma.

The  Mayo Clinic  reports that the effects of a TBI include fatigue and drowsiness, confusion and disorientation, and loss of consciousness. Other symptoms might include nausea and vomiting, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound.

With time and rest, some of these symptoms could subside. For others, they might persist or even worsen. If this is the case, it will have a serious impact on your day-to-day activities, including your ability to work and earn a living.

Potential Long-Term Effects of TBI

The long-term impact of a TBI can be catastrophic. When the damage is permanent, it can require long-term medical care, home accommodations, and costly rehabilitation. Psychologically, this is a difficult journey, and many people who suffer from these injuries also develop depression.

When there is permanent damage, other conditions become more likely, such as infections, seizures, and nerve damage. In the longer-term, a person with a severe TBI also has a strong chance of developing such debilitating diseases as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Coping with Traumatic Brain Injuries

While every TBI is different, the effects of these injuries can be severe and life-altering. Victims of TBIs are generally advised to return to their normal activities as gradually as possible until any symptoms have subsided. Unfortunately, this goal sometimes can’t be achieved.

The first step in effectively dealing with a TBI is accepting that the injury has happened and coming to terms with the idea that life is going to be different. However, as much as you would want to give a grieving loved one some space, it’s equally important to take the time you need to mourn what has happened and come to terms with your new normal.

This doesn’t mean that you are intended to give up. There are medical breakthroughs being made in this field, which is already incredibly advanced. While you might have some new limitations, there is world-class medical care available to you, and you should pursue every treatment and accommodation in your path.

In most cases, you’ll need to find a specialist that deals exclusively with traumatic brain injuries. The type of care they prescribe will depend on the severity of your injury and any other pre-existing limitations that you might have.

In addition to top-notch medical care, you and your loved ones should also seek out TBI education, rehabilitation, and emotional support services. You may need help re-developing language skills and re-learning some social skills. A support team can also help you and your family deal with the emotional effects that a TBI will surely have on your life.

Seek Qualified Legal Advice from a Virginia TBI Attorney

No matter what kind of injury you’ve sustained, if it wasn’t your fault, it’s vital that you have a strong legal advocate in your corner during these difficult times. This is particularly the case with brain injuries, as you will face innumerable challenges as you work to recover and it will be even more difficult to handle this on your own.

Insurance companies are motivated by profit, and the personal injury attorneys at Buck, Toscano & Tereskerz will stand up to them. Specifically, our job is to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve from the parties responsible for your harm, and we take this responsibility very seriously.

Contact our Charlottesville office today at 434.215.0749 to schedule your free consultation.

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