No one brain injury is like another. But whether you suffered injuries from a car accident or a slip-and-fall at a construction site, the effects of your traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be long-lasting and lifechanging. These effects range from mild cognitive impairment to drastic changes in behavior and attitude. And some are subtle enough that you may not notice them immediately after your initial injury. In fact, the effects may not even show until much later.
Your TBI has the potential to impair many aspects of your life, such impairments may relate to:
- Emotional and behavioral stability – It is possible for TBI victims to face challenges in emotional responses such as crying, laughing or general enthusiasm. Aggressive behavior is also a possibility, though how it will look may vary.
- Concentration, memory and awareness – A TBI victim’s thinking skills, which can relate to everyday problem-solving and reasoning, may suffer significantly.
- Communication – Some victims even experience everyday communication issues. These are related to an inability to organize thoughts and follow simple conversations.
- Degenerative brain diseases – According to the Mayo Clinic, victims may be at a higher risk for brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Physical challenges – TBIs can even cause the victim to develop seizures in the future. They may also cause regular episodes of vertigo and headaches for several months following the accident.
If you or a loved one have experienced a traumatic brain injury, know that there are resources that can help you cope with your immediate challenges and those that lie ahead. If you have not already done so, it is recommended that you seek professional help.
