The Effects of a Brain Injury
A brain injury has serious effects on the body, which can vary greatly depending on the location and severity of the injury. The symptoms experienced can be mild or profound and are unique to each individual. The effects of brain injury can fall into several different categories.
Cognitive and Communication
The term cognitive refers to memory, learning and thought. All three operate from different parts of the brain, so an injury may affect some cognitive skills but not others. Related to this is the ability to communicate, which can be impaired by a sudden brain injury. A person may have difficulty speaking or controlling a hand to write.
Behavior and Emotion
A brain injury can cause disturbances in everyday behavior and emotional reactions. A person may become more frustrated and angry, or undergo personality changes. These effects are not always as obvious as a physical injury but can be just as devastating.
Coma and Awareness
Most brain injuries cause a person to become unconscious. This state can last a few seconds, months or even years. When there is an extended coma or vegetative state, a person’s body will deteriorate, which can lead to more serious medical issues if or when the person regains consciousness.
Post-Traumatic Amnesia
This condition occurs after a brain injury and a period of unconsciousness. The person will be awake, but will enagage in speech and behaviors that are not typical. This often causes great distress for the person’s family and friends and may frighten the person affected.
Hormonal Issues
When the brain suffers an injury to the hypothalamus region, damage can occur to the pituitary gland. This can result in a surge or deficiency in one or more hormones throughout the body, which leads to different disease processes. This is especially problematic in young people who are still growing and developing.
Physical Problems
Any injury to the brain can manifest in single or multiple physical difficulties that can stretch into a long-term disability. These problems are not always readily apparent, but they have a major impact on the person’s quality of life.
Please contact the Rozek law offices for a consultation regarding negligent brain injuries.
