Are Brain Injuries Permanent?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from minor to severe, and the long-term effects depend on the type and severity of the injury. Knowing what kind of brain injury you or a loved one has is important for understanding what kind of treatment and rehabilitation is necessary. This blog will discuss the types of brain injuries, from mild to more serious, and outline some potential long-term effects.

Mild TBI (Concussion)

A mild TBI, also known as a concussion, is caused by a blow to the head or an impact that causes the brain to move within the skull. Symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Problems with memory or concentration.

Most people recover quickly with rest and proper care. However, if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, it is important to seek medical attention. A mild TBI can sometimes lead to more serious issues such as depression or anxiety.

Moderate TBI

Moderate TBIs are characterized by more serious symptoms, such as loss of consciousness for several minutes up to an hour after the trauma. Other common symptoms include severe headache or neck pain, vomiting/nausea, slurred speech or difficulty speaking clearly, confusion/agitation/personality changes, and seizures.

The recovery period for moderate TBIs can take up to two years, depending on how severe the injury was and how much rehabilitation is required. There may be permanent damage in some cases, such as cognitive deficits (memory loss) or physical impairments (paralysis).

Severe TBI

Severe traumatic brain injuries cause a person to lose consciousness for more than an hour after the trauma occurs. Victims of severe traumatic brain injuries may suffer from cognitive deficits, movement difficulties, reduced physical abilities, memory loss, speech impairments, and other physical and mental health impairments. These long-term disabilities are often life-altering.

The recovery process for severe TBIs generally takes longer than that for moderate injuries—often three years or more—and may involve extensive rehabilitation therapy and medications. There is also a risk of permanent disability due to cognitive deficits (memory loss) or physical impairments (paralysis).

San Francisco Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced attorneys at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn have years of experience helping victims of TBIs get the compensation they deserve.

Call us today at (415) 940-7176 for a free initial consultation.