It is human nature to seek solutions to daunting problems—however, a traumatic brain injury has no immediate solutions nor is there a guideline of what to expect. The consequences, potential recovery, and appropriate treatment and rehabilitation of a traumatic brain injury vary based upon the area of the brain injured.
While some patients will make a full recovery, others may spend years struggling through rehabilitation or require the services of full time care. Even those who have achieved independent living may experience a diminished earning capacity due to lingering consequences of their injury.
Unfortunately, there is no set standard of what to expect following a traumatic brain injury. Rather, common side effects are likely to be present, the degree of which depends on the injury’s location and severity.
Personality Changes
One of the most frightening aspects of a traumatic brain injury is the personality change the victim may undergo. A person who was once happy-go-lucky, may easily become depressed, have unprovoked anger, an inability to hold back tears, or lack all inhibitions.
These episodes are not only confusing for loved ones, but can have more devastating consequences, such as violence or suicide.
Additionally, a person may develop new aspects of their personality and no longer think and feel the same way they used to. This can result in loved ones treating the victim differently and even worse, the victim no longer recognizing him or herself.
Post Concussion Syndrome
Post concussion syndrome may occur even from mild brain trauma. Symptoms may take time to settle in and include:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Apathy
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Slowed mental processing
- Personality changes
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Heightened sensitivity to noise or light
- Headaches
- Neck pain
Memory Loss & Blackouts
Another frightening side effect of a traumatic brain injury is blackouts, which are when a person appears awake and fine, but later has no memory of their time. Hollywood movies tend to glorify this, but for victims and loved ones, it can be incredibly trying.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures. Over half of traumatic brain injury victims must cope with epilepsy, severely limiting their quality of life, employment potential, and activities they can engage in.
Even though medications exist, some have intolerable side effects making them ineffective. Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of epilepsy in traumatic brain injury victims is that it increases the risk for second impact syndrome.
In many cases, traumatic brain injuries occur due to another party’s negligence, entitling victims to sue for past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, disability and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in the New York City area, including Brooklyn, Bronx, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York area, please contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos today to schedule your free, initial consultation.
