Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of disability and death in adults. Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. One common cause of traumatic brain injuries is car crashes.
When a traumatic brain injury results from a car crash, the injury is most frequently a closed brain injury. This results in bruising and tearing of brain tissue and blood vessels.
Like many injuries, traumatic brain injuries range in severity. Traumatic brain injuries can be focal (confined to one area of the brain) or diffuse (involving multiple areas of the brain) and can cause injuries ranging from mild concussion to severe injury resulting in permanent disability or death.
What are some symptoms of traumatic brain injuries?
Just as they range in severity, traumatic brain injury symptoms do not always manifest the same. Individuals who have suffered from brain injury may experience one or more of the following:
- Cognitive deficits – i.e. confusion, problem-solving difficulty, shortened attention span, amnesia
- Motor deficits – paralysis or weakness, poor balance, decreased endurance
- Language deficits – difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia), difficulty reading (alexia), difficulty writing (agraphia)
- Functional deficits – difficulty performing activities of daily living (dressing, eating, bathing), problems with organization, inability to operate a motor vehicle
- Social difficulties – impaired social capacity
- Regulatory disturbances – fatigue, dizziness, headache
- Personality or psychiatric changes – irritability, decreased motivation, anxiety and depression
- Traumatic epilepsy
For a more complete list of the possible effects of brain injury, click here.
Will a brain scan tell me whether I have a traumatic brain injury?
Given that traumatic brain injuries cause direct injury to the brain, you might expect that those injuries would necessarily be seen on brain scans, but that isn’t always the case. Traumatic brain injuries affect the brain in two major ways: first bruising or tearing of brain tissue; and injury to microscopic nerve fibers (axons), which connect nerve cells in the brain (neurons).
Because traumatic brain injuries can result in microscopic injury to the brain, it may go undetected by magnetic resonance imaging and/or computed tomography scans. But that does not make the injury any less real.
I’ve been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury – what now?
If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury and are experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, you may be wondering: Is there anything I can do to help my brain recover? And will I ever get back to normal?
As you might expect, the prognosis for mild a traumatic brain injury is typically better than for a more moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries. With a mild traumatic brain injury, like a concussion, you may be fortunate enough to recover most or all brain function over the course of several months without much intervention. For moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, injured persons may benefit from interventions like neurosurgery, occupational/physical therapy, speech/language therapy, psychological services, and/or social services.
Emergency care for moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries focuses on “making sure the person has enough oxygen and an adequate blood supply, maintaining blood pressure and preventing any further injury to the head or neck.” Medications like anti-seizure drugs, diuretics and in severe cases, coma-inducing drugs, may be used to help limit secondary damage to the brain. For some patients, emergency surgery may be necessary to remove clotted blood, repair skull fractures, stop a brain bleed, or relieve pressure inside the skull.
Following emergency care, many patients (most who have had a severe brain injury) will have long-term effects of traumatic brain injury and require rehabilitation to relearn basic skills and improve the performance of daily activities. Rehabilitation specialists may include:
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients relearn and adapt to daily living tasks, such as dressing, cooking, and managing personal hygiene. They focus on improving fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and cognitive abilities needed for independence. For those with severe limitations, occupational therapists may suggest adaptive tools or techniques to make daily activities more manageable.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists assist with regaining strength, balance, coordination and mobility after a traumatic brain injury. They design exercise programs to rebuild muscle strength, improve endurance and address physical limitations caused by the injury. For patients with severe impairments, physical therapy can focus on using assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
Speech and Language Therapist
Speech and language therapists address communication challenges that arise from traumatic brain injury, such as difficulty speaking, understanding language, or swallowing (dysphagia). They also work on cognitive-communication issues, such as memory, problem-solving and social interaction skills.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists specialize in assessing and treating the cognitive and emotional effects of a traumatic brain injury. They evaluate memory, attention, problem-solving abilities and emotional well-being, helping patients and their families understand the injury’s psychological impact. They may also develop strategies to compensate for cognitive deficits.
Social Worker or Case Manager
Social workers and case managers coordinate care and provide support to traumatic brain injury patients and their families. They assist with navigating medical systems, accessing community resources and managing financial or insurance issues. They also help connect patients with support groups or counseling services to address emotional and social needs.
Rehabilitation Nurse
Rehabilitation nurses focus on managing the medical and physical needs of traumatic brain injury patients during recovery. They provide education about medication management, prevent complications like pressure sores or infections, and ensure patients are following rehabilitation plans effectively.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use leisure activities and hobbies to help patients regain confidence, improve physical abilities, and enhance emotional well-being. Activities may include art, music, sports or outdoor activities tailored to the individual’s interests and abilities, fostering a sense of normalcy and enjoyment.
Vocational Counselor
Vocational counselors help patients transition back into the workforce or explore alternative career options after a traumatic brain injury. They assess the individual’s abilities, provide job training and connect them with opportunities that align with their new skill set. For those unable to return to work, vocational counseling may focus on volunteer opportunities or other meaningful engagements.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists treat mental health conditions that may arise or worsen after a traumatic brain injury, such as depression, anxiety or mood disorders. They may prescribe medication to stabilize mood, improve sleep or manage other psychological symptoms. Psychiatrists often work closely with neuropsychologists and therapists to address the emotional and cognitive challenges associated with traumatic brain injuries.
If you or a friend or loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury at no fault of your own, call us for a free consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer at 866-388-1307. Our traumatic brain injury attorneys are here to help.
