Common Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
In traumaticbrain injury (TBI) cases, it is of utmost importance to understand the full extent of the harm caused before accepting any settlements or jumping to any conclusions. At first glance and right away, the effects of a TBI might be easily recognizable and, perhaps, even treatable. TBI are particularly dangerous because they are not just a surface injury, but instead leave lingering and hazardous long-term effects that might be difficult to detect at first. Sometimes weeks, months, or even years may pass before the worst damage is done.
Long-term effects associated with traumatic brain injuries include:
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Paralysis: Devastating damage to nerves can cause immediate paralysis, but less-severe impacts or contortions can gradually deteriorate the tissue as time goes on. Paralysis may start as a numbing sensation in extremities before ultimately removing all use from a limb or joint.
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Amnesia: Memory loss can be particularly difficult to identify and diagnose after a TBI. Extensive testing may be necessary to pinpoint the extent of the amnesia. It is also troubling to treat, as a memory lost is most likely just that: lost.
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Communication detriment: Slurred speech can become a greater and greater problem until all forms of communication become difficult. It is also possible for someone who has suffered a TBI to eventually experience hardship understanding the speech or written communications of others.
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Epilepsy: Traumatic brain injuries can affect how the brain functions or cause permanent yet subtle damage to tissues and blood vessels there. The result may be epileptic seizures that do not surface until sometime after the accident.
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Emotional distress: Mood swings, depression, and social anxiety often affect those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Although the science as to why brain damage can alter emotions and personality is still developing, the link is clear.
Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury? Allow aPortland personal injury attorney from my firm, The Law Offices of Timothy Grabe, to review your case and determine a compensation amount that accounts for harm you have suffered now and hardships you may experience later.Contact me at 971-645-7176 to schedule afree consultation. And remember, I do not collect a paycheck unless you recover a settlement.