Even those without a history of studying anatomy likely understand how delicate the brain is compared to other parts of the body. When a person sustains a brain injury, particularly a traumatic brain injury, there can be physical pain as well as many different physical health problems. Due to the unique function of the brain there can also be many mental injuries as well. Sometimes called cognitive deficits, these can produce the need for intensive rehabilitation.
A person, such as a car accident victim, who has suffered a traumatic brain injury may experience trouble with basic mental tasks, such as planning ahead, reasoning, self-evaluation and solving problems. The way a person perceives his or her surroundings may also change, as can the attention one can pay to certain tasks. There are also memory deficits that occur as a consequence of brain injury; however, some may be surprised to find out that new learning tends to be more affected than long-term memory. In many cases an accident victim’s long-term memory from before the traumatic brain injury is not severely impacted.
Accidents victims whose brains have been damaged often find it difficult to initiate and complete tasks and frequently appear disorganized or frazzled to friends and family. Those who suffer from traumatic brain injury may also experience emotional changes, such as increased irritability and mood swings as well as a lower tolerance for frustration. Another potential effect is an increase in impulsive actions, which themselves can have various negative effects.
Suffering brain damage is often incredibly life-altering. Suffering this type of injury as the result of someone else’s negligence can seem devastating. However, there are options available and a person does not have to navigate the legal system alone. An experienced Delaware brain injury attorney can help.
Source: American Speech-Language Hearing Association, “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI),” accessed April 5, 2016
