Traumatic brain injuries – that sounds serious – and it should, because they are. But what are they, anyway? Almost self-explanatory, a traumatic brain injury is exactly what it sounds like it would be – an injury to the brain as a result of some type of traumatic event. The event is usually such that it is not expected – such as an accident of some sort – with auto accidents, guns, and falls being the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. Caused by a bump or jolt to the head or some sort of penetrating head injury, the TBI disrupts normal functioning of the brain. These types of injuries can, and usually do, completely change the victim’s life. When one suffers a traumatic brain injury, the effects can often impact the victim’s entire life – not just for the present, but for the remainder of the victim’s life as well. Unlike injuries sustained on other parts of the body, such as broken arms or legs, a “broken” brain may not ever be able to heal completely. And further, because every person’s brain is different, and each part of the brain controls so many other bodily functions, there is often no ‘typical’ recovery that can be expected up front; instead, victims and their families are usually only able to take things one day at a time and see what happens.
The Elderly And Children – Traumatic Brain Injuries And Concussions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can suffer a traumatic brain injury, particularly older people and children. As noted above, one of the three most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include falls; the oldest and youngest members of our population do suffer more falls than the rest of the population, proportionately, which makes it easy to see the correlation between the two.
Symptoms Of Concussions
Concussions range in severity from mild to severe and recovery from a concussion can last just a brief period of time, maybe just a few days, to weeks or months. Younger and older people tend to take longer to recover and, if one has suffered a concussion in the past, they are more likely to suffer another. Additionally, victims of subsequent concussions usually have a more difficult recovery. Symptoms of concussions will certainly vary from victim to victim, but they generally fall into one or more of four general categories: not being able to think clearly, feeling ‘slow’, trouble with concentration, and trouble with remembering new information. Sleep is usually affected when one has suffered a concussion, with some victims sleeping more, some sleeping less, and others having trouble falling asleep or sleeping at all.
Delayed Reactions
In some cases, victims of concussions or of traumatic brain injuries in general may not experience symptoms immediately after the cause of the injury. It is not uncommon for signs and symptoms to not be exhibited by the victim for several days after an accident, and the symptoms may present themselves slowly, making it even more difficult for not on the victim but for those close to the victim to notice, absent a sudden change. Some of the signs that a victim has, in fact, suffered a concussion can include persistent or worsening headaches, vomiting, nausea, slurred speech, mismatched pupil size, seizures, difficulty recognizing people or places, confusion, restlessness and agitation, and loss of consciousness, even if just for a brief period of time.
Prevention Is The Best Medicine
As with so many other medical conditions, prevention really is the best medicine with respect to traumatic brain injuries. As the road to recovery is difficult and likely never-ending after a traumatic brain injury has been sustained, preventive measures such as wearing a seat belt while in a car or wearing a helmet while riding a bike can go far to prevent such extensive and life-changing injuries from occurring in the first place.
The Jaklitsch Law Group – Your Traumatic Brain Injury Professionals
If you or someone close to you have been involved in an accident and have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you need to speak with an attorney experienced in these matters to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to receive under Maryland law. Traumatic brain injuries and other similar types of extreme injuries such as these can have long-lasting effects and a life-changing impact and, as such, you need to make sure that all of your current as well as potential future needs are considered. The Jaklitsch Law Group is the place to turn to with matters of this caliber. Our Maryland brain injury lawyers have helped accident victims with traumatic brain injuries to recover money and compensation for their losses and can help you do the same. Our experience works to your benefit – contact the Jaklitsch Law Group today to schedule your consultation.
