When most people think of an injury, they imagine something that will heal at some point. What they may not realize is that some injuries never heal completely. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact a person for the rest of their life.
Suffering a TBI means that every facet of your life might be affected — from your social life to your ability to take care of yourself. Many factors determine what type of effects a person might have to live with as well as how long they may last.
In what areas can TBI victims experience declines?
One of the troubling things to remember about the potential long-term effects of a TBI is that they can develop over time. For some people, these symptoms creep up years after the injury occurred. This often leaves the person, as well as those around them, confused about what’s going on.
Some victims of TBIs will suffer declines in the following areas long after they suffered the initial injuries:
- Paying attention and processing information
- Cognitive skills
- Ability to handle stimuli
- Regulating their moods
- Coordination or motor skills
The decline in these areas can make it difficult to carry on a normal life. They can make it hard, if not impossible, to hold a job or get an education.
Anyone who’s suffered a traumatic brain injury will need medical care, which can be very costly. If you or a loved one was injured by another person’s negligence, you may choose to seek compensation for medical costs and other expenses. It’s important to take into account not just your short-term concerns but your long-term needs as well.