Brain injury can occur because of a variety of issues, including injuries at birth, traumatic car or other accidents or recurring sports injuries. Even seemingly small injuries may lead to brain injuries, and the results of such injuries can range from minor inconveniences to major disabilities.
At the most basic level, brain injuries result in an impairment of cognitive ability or physical function. Such impairments look different in each case and depend on the level of injury and what part of the brain experienced trauma. Some examples of cognitive issues might include memory problems or loss, trouble concentrating, slower ability for processing information, inability to process certain types of information, problems organizing ideas or things, difficultly beginning basic activities and poor judgment.
Physical symptoms of brain injury are often easier to detect because they can be seen. Seizures may be a result of brain injury, even in mild and moderate cases. Other physical symptoms can include fatigue, problems with balance, headaches and muscle spasticity or tics. Brain injury can also result in emotional or behavioral changes, including depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, mood swings or agitation. In very serious cases, brain injury can cause disability that removes a person’s ability to ambulate or perform basic daily living activities.
It’s important to note that the results of brain injury aren’t limited to a single individual. An entire family is impacted when someone is disabled, and family members are also affected even when someone experiences mild brain injury results, such as memory impairment or mood swings.
Individuals who have experienced brain injury because of an accident or incident that was the fault of another party may be able to seek compensation. Compensation can assist with daily needs and treatments, possibly offering an improved quality of life for the entire family.
Source: The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, “The Brain Controls Everything” Dec. 18, 2014