Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries


Brain injuries, especially, traumatic brain injuries, are not only risky in the short-term, but may also cause devastating long-term effects. This article explores some of the long-term results you may experience following a brain injury.

Physical Disabilities

Brain injuries may lead to long-term physical problems, which may make it difficult for you to accomplish your normal daily activities. Common long-term physical effects of brain injuries include seizures, headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of balance, speech problems, difficulty swallowing, and inability to move.

Paralysis, which refers to a reduction in muscle strength, impaired coordination, and loss of consciousness are other possible long-term effects. Although some of these effects may disappear after several years, some may hinder you from living a normal lifestyle for the rest of your life.

Sensory Problems

Together with the spinal cord, the brain forms your central nervous system. As a result, any damage or injury to the organ affects the normal functioning of your sensory system. The sensory problems vary depending on the part of the brain where the injury affects. One common sensory disorder is a stroke, which is characterized by impaired sensation.

Behavioral Challenges

Brain injuries may result in behavioral change, which may affect your social life for a significant part of your life. Examples of behavioral challenges you may experience as a result of brain injury include agitation, stress disorders, combativeness, lessened tolerance to frustration, and irritability. Traumatic brain injury may also lead to impulsivity and mood changes.

Cognitive Challenges

These are challenges related to thinking. They include failure to recognize your surroundings, impaired reasoning, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty in paying attention to tasks or assignments. You may also be unable to carry out executive functions, including planning, supervision, organizing, initiating, and goal setting.

Although you may be able to remember some of the events that happened before the injury, your memory may not be able to store the events that happen after the injury. In some cases, the opposite happens. Since you are not able to make rational decisions on your own, you will need frequent assistance of other people to do so as long as the problem persists.

Why You Need Legal Assistance

Because brain injuries have the potential to render you unable to perform even your most basic chores, you need to seek proper compensation in case of a brain injury. Remember, the injury will alter your life either permanently or for an extended period of time, and it may terminate the life of a victim in some cases. To seek proper compensation, it is advisable to hire the services of a competent personal injury attorney, who can work to put together a strong case for you.

Cannon & Dunphy is a law firm that can work to help you build a strong legal strategy. With more than 30 years in the legal industry, we have a knowledgeable team of Wisconsin personal injury attorneys. It is our goal to hold the liable parties accountable and seek the compensation our clients deserve.

Call us today to learn more.