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The long-term consequences of brain injuries

An Oklahoma car crash can total the vehicles involved and devastate lives when they result in traumatic brain injuries. Often these injuries have no physical signs, making the on-site diagnosis a challenge. If your loved one had an accident, seeking medical attention quickly is critical for minimizing the potential for long-term damage. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury symptoms can manifest hours, days or weeks after a head injury. As they often have few obvious physical signs, internal scans and unusual behavior may indicate damage. 

Symptoms of TBI

Mild TBI may include headache, drowsiness or fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision and sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms are typically temporary. However, with more severe injuries, the symptoms are often more pronounced. Physical symptoms your loved one may experience include loss of consciousness for several minutes up to several hours, headaches that persist or worsen, and convulsions or seizures. Cognitive symptoms include unusual behavior such as agitation, combativeness or profound confusion. 

Long-term consequences of TBI

Your loved one’s TBI may alter the rest of their life. Disabilities and motor deficits include: 

  • Problems swallowing, talking or walking 
  • Vision problems 
  • Paralysis 
  • Uncontrolled movements and muscle stiffness 
  • Difficulty thinking or remembering 
  • Loss of fine motor skills 

Everyone’s brain reacts to trauma differently. The severity of symptoms experienced by your loved one depends on the location and type of damage. For example, damage from whiplash may differ from that caused by a sharp object. While some people may experience near-complete recovery, others require ongoing medical care and caregivers to help with their day-to-day lives. Compensation from a claim can help recover costs associated with hospital expenses, physical therapy and lost wages.