Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can turn lives upside down in an instant. They can often bring a host of complications that many accident victims don’t anticipate. These issues can affect your daily life, work and relationships in profound ways.
If you’ve suffered a TBI in a car accident, understanding these potential complications is crucial. It can help you make more informed decisions about your health, recovery and legal options. Let’s explore the hidden impacts of TBIs and why seeking proper compensation matters for your future.
What are the complications to watch out for?
Severe brain injuries can cause long-lasting changes in consciousness. Patients can experience coma or brain death. Each state has different levels of awareness and responsiveness.
In a coma, the person is unconscious and unresponsive. A vegetative state may involve open eyes and some movements without awareness. A person in a minimally conscious state shows slight signs of self-awareness. Meanwhile, brain death is the irreversible absence of brain activity.
Physical complications can also occur following a TBI. Seizures may occur early or years after the injury, while some patients develop post-traumatic epilepsy.
Infections are also a risk, especially with skull fractures or penetrating wounds. Blood vessel damage might lead to strokes or blood clots. Persistent headaches and vertigo are also common after brain injuries.
When multiple symptoms last for extended periods, doctors call them persistent post-concussive symptoms. This particular condition can significantly impact daily life and recovery.
Meanwhile, brain injuries at the skull base can damage cranial nerves. This may lead to the following conditions:
- facial paralysis
- Loss of smell or taste
- Vision problems
- Hearing issues
These complications underscore the importance of specialized medical care and ongoing patient support. With the help of a medical professional, they may manage their symptoms and receive proper treatment.
The impacts of traumatic brain injuries
Dealing with a TBI after a car accident can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Understanding the potential complications is the first step toward getting the help and compensation you deserve. Seeking legal advice may also help make a significant difference in your journey to recovery.