The brain is the most vital organ. It acts as the command centre for the entire nervous system, receiving and sending signals throughout the body. Cognitive functions like language and visual processing also rely on input from the brain.
Any physical blow to the head can disrupt those functions, resulting in mild to severe physical or mental disabilities. In fact, brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide according to the International Brain Injury Association.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury or TBI is defined as a sudden blow to the head from an external force. The extent of the damage depends on several factors including the type of injury sustained and the health of the individual.
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to classify TBI according to its severity with 15 being normal and 3 reserved for those in a comatose state. A TBI can result in long-term problems on even basic cognitive functions, from getting ready in the morning to having a regular conversation.
Common causes of traumatic brain injury include:
- Vehicle collisions
- Physical assault
- Sports injuries
- Workplace injuries
- Explosive blasts
- Falls or accidents
Symptoms of brain injuries generally fall into four categories: Cognitive, perceptual, physical, and behavioural. Those with moderate to severe cases of TBI may exhibit the following:
- Memory loss or concentration problems
- Difficulty speaking or understanding others
- Impaired decision-making ability
- Changes in vision or sense of touch
- Loss of fine motor skills
- Extreme physical or mental fatigue
- Problems with sleep
- Increased aggressiveness
Injured individuals typically show improvement between six months to two years with rehabilitation. Each case is different though, as injuries typically damage a different part of the brain with varying degrees of force. For this reason determining the length of recovery is difficult.
Going through a serious injury can be a traumatic event especially when they occur in loved ones. If a loved one has sustained an injury from a third party, you may be able to make a claim. Contact Mark Reynolds personal injury solicitors today for more details.