The brain is a funny thing, and each one is unique. This is also true when it comes to how the individual brain reacts to trauma. One person may walk away from an accident with no injuries while another deals with the effects of a traumatic brain injury for the rest of his or her life.
Brain injuries can be as mild as a concussion or severe enough to cause paralysis. Between those two situations, there are countless different effects of a brain injury can present. If you or someone you love has been injured and you fear a brain injury, you should watch for the following symptoms.
Cognitive changes
Brian injuries can change the way you think and may cause difficulty with concentration, attention, memory, perseveration, impulsiveness and language processing.
Speech and language
Those with a mild to severe brain injury may slur their speech, have problems writing or reading, speak very slow or very fast, and not understand others who are speaking. At times, they may also have problems speaking and being understood by others.
Vision and hearing
Traumatic brain injuries can result in a decrease or loss of both hearing and vision. They can also cause blurred vision, intolerance of light, involuntary eye movements, problems judging distance, increased sensitivity to noise or ringing in the ears.
Physical effects
The physical effects of a traumatic brain injury may be the most obvious, and can include chronic pain, loss of stamina, appetite changes, sleep disorders, problems regulating body temperature, menstrual difficulties and problems controlling the bladder and bowel.
Emotional changes
Brain injuries can also change your emotions and may cause depression, aggression, irritability, disinhibition, lack of awareness or motivation, and other dependent emotional behaviors.
A traumatic brain injury can completely change your life or the life of someone you love. If the injury was caused by the negligence of another, you may deserve compensation to help cover your costs associated with the event. We encourage you to speak to an attorney immediately if you notice the signs of a brain injury in you or someone around you.