Around 1.7 million cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) occur every single year in the United States — that’s more than the populations of Wyoming and Vermont combined. Here in Texas, hundreds of thousands of people live with a disability caused by TBI, and many of them are unable to work.
If you have been involved in an accident or injury recently, perhaps as the result of an automobile crash or workplace event, it’s crucial you receive the medical help you need. Even the mildest brain injuries can cause memory loss, migraines, depression, and, in the most serious of cases, brain damage and even death.
Here are some of the hidden dangers of TBI that you need to know about:
Memory Loss
Memory loss is common after a brain injury, even a mild one. The person might not be able to remember what happened to them during the accident or before it occurred. This memory loss is usually short-term. However, in more serious cases, a person might experience long-term memory loss.
Memory loss from TBI is called “post-traumatic amnesia,” and it can range in severity. For some people, it only lasts for a few minutes; for others, it can last for weeks or even months. Forty-five percent of people with TBI experience amnesia for more than a month, while 23 percent experience it for more than a week. During this time, the person might not be able to work or carry out day-to-day duties.
Many people can’t remember the events surrounding their TBI because their brain goes to shock and is unable to store these memories.
Depression
Depression after TBI is common — someone has just experienced a traumatic event, and it will take time to process what happened. This depression can range in severity and can develop instantly or over a longer period of time. Around 25-50 percent of people with TBI experience major depression within the first year, while more than 60 percent report long-term mood disorders within 7 years.
“Researchers do not know when depression is most likely to occur after TBI. Some people experience depression right after their injury, while others develop depression a year or more later,” says the nonprofit Brainline. “It is important to tell your doctor about any symptoms of depression you may be having even if it has been a while since your head injury.”
Many people in Texas are unable to work as a result of depression and lose the income they need to support themselves and their families. If you have suffered TBI, you might be able to receive compensation after an accident or injury. Click here to find out more.
Insomnia
Insomnia is another common danger of TBI. A person with this condition might not be able to sleep or experience fatigue during waking hours. Up to 70 percent of people with TBI experience sleep disturbances, and insomnia and fatigue are the two most common complaints after a traumatic head injury.
Of course, insomnia, especially when severe, can have a whole host of ramifications. A person might not be able to concentrate on work or their home life, for example.
“Insomnia is defined as repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate time and opportunity for sleep and that results in some form of daytime impairment,” says Medscape.
Migraines
Thirty percent of people with TBI report headaches and migraines, even after a mild injury. These headaches can continue long after the injury and make it difficult for some people to live their normal lives. Often called “post-traumatic headache,” migraines are caused by various conditions associated with TBI, such as neck and skull injuries that haven’t fully healed, side effects from medication, and tension and stress.
In some cases, migraines can be so severe, the person with TBI will find it difficult to remember things.
If you have experienced TBI, fight for the compensation you deserve. Looking for a personal injury attorney in Texas who can handle all the litigation for you? Click here to contact Bennett Injury Law.
Brain Damage
Even the slightest TBI can cause long-term problems and, in some cases, brain damage. After an injury, the brain goes into overdrive to repair internal damage. Often, these restorative processes are effective, especially when combined with treatment. However, sometimes the brain won’t play “catch-up” and goes into a progressive decline instead, which results in long-term brain damage.
Unfortunately, many Americans experience complications that happen many months or years after their original TBI. Some research shows that TBI can increase the likelihood of long-term neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. People who have experienced multiple TBIs are at an even higher risk of developing more serious brain-related conditions over time.
Takeaway
As you can see, there are various dangers associated with TBI, and many of these don’t show up straight away. This is why it’s imperative that you get the medical help you need after your accident or injury.
Looking for a personal injury lawyer in Texas who can fight your corner? Contact Bennett Injury Law today.
