The Dangerous Side Effects of Head Trauma
Any kind of head trauma has the potential to have a severe impact on the brain. These kinds of injuries can range anywhere from mild concussions to life-altering brain damage, but one thing they all have in common is the possibility of resulting in physical and mental effects that you’ll have to overcome. From sleep disorders to overall lifestyle changes, here are some of the most common obstacles that can arise after a brain injury.
Physical Effects
Brain injuries can have a significant impact on your physical health and manifest themselves in a variety of symptoms. If you haven’t been formally diagnosed with a brain injury after head trauma but are experiencing certain symptoms, you may want to seek immediate medical attention to ensure you get the right treatment.
Here are some common signs you should look out for:
- Headaches or dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Blurred vision.
- Speech problems.
When recovering from a brain injury, whether it be after surgery, treatment or otherwise, you may notice a handful of other long or short term physical changes, including:
- Anemia or changes in blood pressure.
- Changes in your balance.
- Sensory issues – ears ringing, poor vision.
- Skull pressure, intracranial infection, swelling.
- Paralysis.
These are only some of the complications you may have to deal with if recovering from a brain injury. In addition to the physical effects it can have on you, there are many mental and cognitive functions that can be impacted as well.
Cognitive Effects
While the debilitating physical effects of brain injuries can be devastating, there are also several ways in which this trauma can impact the development of mental disorders and your overall cognitive function. Many head trauma patients experience memory loss specifically pertaining to the traumatic event or can have trouble remembering simple things like daily tasks. Here are some of the other mental effects a brain injury can have:
- Sudden shifts in personality, mood, or behavior.
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders.
- Trouble concentrating or general confusion.
- Altered consciousness (coma, responsiveness, etc.).
- Intellectual issues with reasoning, problem solving, or completing tasks.
Although not every brain injury will result in the most severe cognitive risks, it is still crucial to be checking in on your mental health and function following any sort of brain trauma. Not seeking medical attention could be the difference in being able to retain cognitive functions.
Potential Lifestyle Changes
Since brain injuries can severely impact your physical and mental health, they also come with the risk of having a negative impact on your day-to-day life. We know that the brain controls all functioning, so when certain parts of it are damaged, it can result in the inability to speak, move, use all five senses, or any number of other severe issues.
Severe brain trauma has been shown to inhibit how one works normal jobs or takes care of themselves. This can make it difficult to maintain relationships because of the emotional and behavioral impacts. Along with this, brain injuries can be costly. Initial surgeries and routine check-ups or treatments can put a severe financial burden on the patient, especially if having a brain injury affects the ability to maintain employment.
The most important thing to remember, however, is that you don’t have to battle a brain injury alone. In addition to dozens of support networks with other trauma patients, finding the right attorney can help you receive compensation for your injury to cover medical expenses and any lost wages.
We’ll Help You Get Back On Your Feet
Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. is one of the premier boutique personal injury firms in Florida and serves dozens of brain injury and medical malpractice clients each year. Our firm is dedicated to helping you get back to your healthy, everyday lifestyle and will fight for maximum compensation, no matter how big or small the case.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a brain injury caused by another’s negligence, contact Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. today. Call (954) 905-4600 to schedule your free consultation.