What Are the Consequences of Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries are typically the result of a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. Brain injuries can lead to temporary or long-lasting disabilities for victims. This type of injury can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to earn an income as well as how they interact with their family and friends. Here, we want to discuss some of the main consequences of a brain injury.

The Impacts of Brain Injury on a Person’s Life

The effects of a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can be long-lasting. Sometimes, a brain injury will result in permanent disabilities for a victim. In many cases, recovery and rehabilitation are possible, though this does not guarantee that there will be a complete recovery. The reality is that most brain injury victims face challenges that require them to adapt and adjust to a new way of life.

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can cause both physical and mental disabilities. This can lead to challenges with work and completing tasks that were once considered routine. Not only will this affect the victim’s quality of life, but brain injuries can also significantly affect the family members of the victim.

Motor Deficits and Disabilities

Brain injuries often affect a person’s ability to move their bodies. Motor deficits refer specifically to how these injuries damage motor skills and movement ability. Some of the most common disabilities and motor deficits caused by a severe traumatic brain injury include:

• Paralysis
• Uncontrolled muscle movements or muscle stiffness (spasticity)
• Problems walking, swallowing, and talking
• Difficulty carrying objects
• Loss of fine motor skills
• Problems with vision
• Bowel or bladder control issues
• significant speech and language problems

Traumatic brain injuries can also affect a person’s sleep patterns, stamina, hormones, and appetite.

Cognitive Disabilities

Unfortunately, brain injury victims are also likely to sustain significant cognitive effects. This can include:

• Difficulty thinking and remembering
• Difficulty with social relationships
• Difficulty in being a part of social activities
• Memory problems
• Slow speed of processing
• Continual confusion
• Newfound impulsiveness

The Mental Health of Brain Injury Victims and Their Family

Unfortunately, the effects of a brain injury mentioned above often lead to the victims sustaining significant psychological and emotional trauma. Brain injury victims regularly suffer from anxiety, depression, anger, fear, extreme sadness, and more. It is not uncommon for brain injury victims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Brain injury victims are likely to suffer from decreased self-esteem as they perceive the way that others see them as being “diminished.”

While a brain injury may only affect the victim physically, they are often not the only victim involved in these cases. Family members often suffer severe emotional and psychological effects as well. This stems from watching their loved ones not being able to do the things they love. In many cases, family members must become full-time caregivers as well. This can be incredibly challenging and stressful. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, a victim may need a significant amount of care.

Call us today to speak with our Miami coup contrecoup brain injury attorneys.