A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common types of injuries sustained from a car accident. It is surprisingly easy to sustain trauma to one's head. There a wide range of symptoms caused by TBI which can impact and limit quality of life. Many of these symptoms are related to the cognitive ability of the injured person. They tend to be incredibly difficult to diagnose and treat. It is not shocking that many people just want to know when they will begin to recover from their TBI.
A traumatic brain injury is when there is damage to the head and brain as a result of substantial physical force to the head. The force to the head can be blunt force trauma or even something that seems minor like a violent shaking or jerking of the head. Most of the time, this damage can be serious and should be examined by a physician. These injuries can take on many different forms. These include concussion, diffuse axonal injuries, coup contrecoup injuries, and penetrative brain injuries.
There are a number of symptoms one can have as a result of a TBI. The common ones include confusion, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and slurred speech. Additional symptoms include sleeping problems, aggression, personality problems, and difficulty solving problems. A person suffering from TBI may also exhibit problems remembering, sleepiness, seizures, balance issues, and nausea.
When it comes to recovery from TBI, that is not a simple answer. It depends on many factors, such as the type of injury, the location and intensity of the injury, and the overall health of the injured person before the injury. There is always a chance that a TBI can have long term and permanent damage. A concussion is a mild type of TBI and a person can usually recover quickly from one. A person can typically recover all of the brain function in about three months, if not sooner. Most often a concussion can heal on its own when it is given the appropriate amount of time to do so. However, if someone gets multiple concussions in a short period of time, there is a high chance for severe and permanent brain damage.
A moderate type of TBI is a little worse than a mild one. Many who suffer from a moderate TBI can recover most of their brain function, but they most likely will not be able to do it on their own. They typically require services like physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy or other type of service.
The worst type of TBI is a severe TBI. This type of trauma often has long term effects that deepen the need and length of time it takes to recover. In most cases, it can take up to two years to fully recover from a TBI, but for some it has taken as long as five to ten years. Fortunately, there is more and more research being done about TBIs to help physicians learn how to treat and decrease the symptoms of a TBI. Some of the ways to help manage the symptoms of a TBI which include medication, surgery, and therapies.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a TBI, you may need to acquire the services of a
brain injury lawyer. You may find that insurance companies are refusing to pay for some or all of your TBI medical bills. Due to the needs of a person that has suffered from a TBI, high medical bills can pile up quickly. When a doctor handles a TBI assessment, they often look for injuries that are threatening to the person's life. As a result, they may miss how a TBI impacts daily life. The doctors may miss severe headaches, ringing in your ears, and extreme changes in your personality. Then insurance companies may attempt to say that the person's symptoms are not real and therefore refuse to pay the medical bills. If this happens, you may need to consult a
brain injury lawyer.
A qualified
brain injury lawyer is able to assess the chances you have with a lawsuit. They can determine how much income you have lost and what your lost earning potential is. They take an in depth look at your past medical treatment and determine what your potential medical needs may be. They can also determine your need for occupational therapy, as well as other rehabilitation services you may need. They understand your pain and suffering and determine how much money will you need for the rest of your life. They also determine if there has been gross negligence and what the damages should be for that negligence. Every TBI is complex and unique that only a skilled lawyer can help you best.