How Serious are Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, leading to about 190 deaths per day. In 2021, there were 69,000 fatalities caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
A TBI can result in short-term or long-term complications, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. For individuals who experience severe impairment, many will be unable to take care of themselves, requiring round-the-clock care. Unfortunately, the signs of a TBI are not always obvious, causing people to not receive medical care during the critical 60-minute window.
In this blog, our Charleston personal injury lawyers provide an overview of traumatic brain injury causes and symptoms, as well as the five-year outlook for TBI patients.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a sudden force, blow, or strike to the head, causing damage to the brain. The injury can be non-penetrating (closed brain injury) or penetrating (open brain injury).
In a closed brain injury, there is a jolt or strike to the head which does not penetrate the skull. Although a closed brain injury does not involve any penetration, the force to the head causes the brain to shake within the bony skull, damaging fragile brain tissue.
In an open brain injury, an object pierces the skull, damaging brain tissue. A common open brain injury is when a person experiences a gunshot to the head.
Brain injuries are most commonly caused by:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Falls
- Sports and recreational activities
- Assaults
- Firearm violence and suicide
Common Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Individuals who sustain a TBI may experience any of the following symptoms:
Cognitive Deficits
- Coma
- Confusion
- Memory problems and amnesia
- Shortened attention span
- Decreased awareness of self and others
- Inability to process multiple commands
Motor Deficits
- Paralysis or weakness
- Spasticity
- Poor balance
- Delays in getting started
- Swallowing problems
- Poor coordination
Perceptual and Sensory Deficits
- Changes in vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch
- Loss of sensation or heightened sensation in certain parts of the body
- Left- or right-side neglect
- Difficulty understanding where limbs are in relation to the body
- Double vision, lack of visual acuity, or limited range of vision
Communication and Language Deficits
- Aphasia: Difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or choosing the right words to say
- Alexia: Difficulty reading
- Agraphia: Difficulty writing
- Slow, hesitant speech and decreased vocabulary
- Difficulty forming sentences that make sense
- Problems identifying objects and their function
Functional Deficits
- Impaired ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, bathing, and eating
- Problems with organization, shopping, or paying bills
- Inability to drive a car or operate machinery
Five Year Outlook
TBI victims who sustain severe impairment will often never make a gainful recovery, resulting in permanent disability. For TBI survivors still alive five years after their injury:
- 57% were moderately or severely disabled.
- 55% were not employed (although they were employed at the time of their injury).
- 50% return to the hospital at least once.
- 33% rely on others’ help for everyday activities.
- 29% are not satisfied with life.
- 29% misuse drugs and/or alcohol.
- 12% reside in nursing homes, assisted living, or other institutions.
Charleston Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Dedicated to You
Nobody should have to watch their loved one’s health deteriorate, all while being burdened with a never-ending stack of medical bills. We believe that TBI victims and their families should be financially compensated for their injury and hardship. If you or a loved one have fallen victim to a TBI, do not hesitate to reach out to our legal team. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone.