March 9, 2018
Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
Our brain is arguably the most vital organ in the human body. Considered the communication headquarters, it has an integrated network of neurons that controls and coordinates our actions and the way we think and feel. It also enables us to store memories.
Whether you are at work, driving on the road, playing outside, or relaxing in your home, protecting your head from injury is extremely important. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) which results from a strong blow to the head and can affect normal function in the brain. Causes of concussion include falls, sports injuries, physical abuse, or car accidents. Many people are unaware of the range of TBI and the severity of its nature. Despite the advancement of medical technology, the effects of TBI remain significant.
The Complex Challenges Faced by TBI Victims
Brain Injury Canada reports there are 160,000 Canadians who sustain brain injuries each year. TBI can inflict profound, long-term effects and create challenges that can affect a person’s quality of life.
Here are some facts about the long-term impacts of TBI:
1. Depending on the severity or nature of TBI, quality of treatment, and other factors, the person can suffer from brain injury effects their entire life. A severe injury can result in permanent brain tissue damage, causing irreversible impairment.
2. Psycho-social impact is another possible result of TBI. This refers to the effect of TBI on a person’s personal relationships, social function, employment, and leisure activities. For example, if TBI hinders a person’s function to the point that they are unable to perform their job, they will lose their source of income.
3. TBI may affect a person’s cognitive thinking, potentially reducing or ending their ability to retain new and complex information, solve problems, make sound decisions, plan, organise, or focus on important details.
4. A person suffering from TBI may require assistance with simple tasks such as cooking, shopping, cleaning and yard work. While some domestic chores can be carried out by family members, a recovering TBI victim may also require hired help, which can be a considerable expense.
A TBI victim may suffer different effects that include:
- Memory loss
- Coma or other loss of consciousness
- Severe mood swings
- Higher risk of stroke or seizure
- Impaired language skills
- Partial paralysis
- Loss of balance
- Risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other degenerative conditions
Traumatic brain injury is among the major causes of death worldwide. You can help raise awareness about the long-term effects and challenges associated with TBI and how to cope with them, and if you need support, it’s available.
If you or a family member suffered from a TBI caused by an accident, call Michelle Linka Law at 416-477-7288 for a free quote or fill out our contact form to send us a message. Our brain injury lawyer in Richmond Hill will assist you in handling claims or making arrangements with your insurance company.