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Understanding the Prognosis of a Brain Injury
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly half of all people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) could be at risk of decline or fatality within five years from sustaining the injury. While it may sound like a grim statistic, the good news is that treatments and therapies available to TBI patients limit the risk of complications and reduce the onset of some symptoms. Read on to learn more about the prognosis of a traumatic brain injury.
Treatments to Prevent Further Damage
It's crucial to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident that caused a blow or jolt to the head. It's not uncommon for TBIs to have delayed symptoms that do not show up for days or weeks after the injury. Getting checked out and seeking treatment immediately can mitigate further damage.
Some of the most common treatments used to prevent inflammation and further damage to the brain are:
- Medications may be administered to prevent or limit secondary damage. For example, to reduce fluid build-up or seizures, diuretics may be prescribed. Coma-inducing medications may also be administered to relieve brain pressure.
- Surgery may be necessary to stop bleeding in the brain, repair skull fractures, or relieve skull pressure.
- Rehabilitation is not uncommon for individuals who have suffered a TBI. Rehabilitation therapies can help with symptom relief and other long-term problems of a TBI. People who have difficulty with walking, talking, or any other body function limitations, may need the following types of rehabilitation:
- Psychiatry
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Language or speech therapies
- Neuropsychology
- Social work
- Vocational counseling
The Long-Term Effects of TBIs
Sustaining a TBI can pose many different complications, and in the most severe cases, may leave someone in a non-responsive state. A traumatic brain injury may pose the following difficulties:
- Coma or minimally conscious state
- Seizures
- Brain death
- Damage to blood vessels
- Chronic headaches
- Vertigo
- Paralysis in facial muscles or losing facial sensations
- Vision problems
- Swallowing problems
- Ringing in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Cognitive issues (memory, learning, reasoning, judgment, concentration)
- Speech challenges
- Lack of self-control (verbal or physical outbursts)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, TBI's have been linked to an increased risk of the following degenerative brain diseases:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Dementia pugilistica (commonly occurs due to severe contact sports such as boxing or football)
The Long-Term Emotional Impact of TBIs
Not only can a TBI pose physical threats, but it can also leave someone with emotional issues and problems with social relationships. Someone who has sustained a TBI may feel trapped or frustrated with such a life-altering condition. In addition, the recovery process can be overwhelming, and the result can be anxiety and depression. If the TBI was caused by a devastating event such as an assault or car accident, they might also be inclined to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury? Contact Del Rio & Caraway, P.C.
Sustaining a TBI after an accident can be a scary experience. And, when caused by someone else's negligence, it can make it that much more devastating. When you're worried about recovering from your injury, and medical bills are also a concern, you deserve the peace of mind knowing you have someone in our corner fighting for you. Know that you are not alone and Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. is on your side every step of the way.
Don't fight the insurance companies alone after sustaining an injury from an accident. Contact Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. today at (916) 229-6755 or send us a message to discuss your case.