Understanding The Effects Of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can have devastating lifelong effects. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recently reported that there were about 61,000 traumatic brain injury-related deaths in the United States in 2019. The following article will highlight the two main categories of brain injuries and will discuss some of the effects that these brain injuries can have on individuals.
What types of brain injuries are there?
There are two main categories of brain injuries, which are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and acquired brain injuries (ABIs).
A traumatic brain injury is a brain injury that results from an external factor (such as a bump, jolt, or severe blow to the head) that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. There are two types of traumatic brain injuries; a closed traumatic brain injury is an injury that is non-penetrating, while an open traumatic brain injury is a penetrating injury.
An acquired brain injury is a brain injury which is caused by an internal factor (such as a lack of oxygen) and results in an alteration of brain functioning or pathology.
What kind of effects do brain injuries have?
Because the brain controls all of our bodily functions, brain injuries can be severely debilitating. Even a minor head injury (such as a concussion) can have damaging effects. Brain injuries can potentially have some of the following effects:
- Behavioral effects: Brain injuries can cause a loss of control in behavior, which can result in the exhibition of socially inappropriate behavior. Examples of this type of behavior include making insensitive remarks, laughing at inappropriate times or in inappropriate situations, and being over-familiar with others. Impulsiveness, obsessiveness, and irritability are other behavioral traits which may develop after a brain injury.
- Cognitive effects: Brain injuries can cause major memory issues (specifically short-term memory). Some individuals are unable to remember names or faces and will have an excruciating time trying to retain new information. These individuals may also have a dramatically reduced attention span or issues processing information at a normal rate. Some even lose their ability to speak correctly, as it may be extremely difficult for them to mentally put the right words together.
- Emotional effects: Brain injuries can cause major personality changes. Someone who was once talkative and friendly may become sullen and withdrawn. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms associated with brain injuries. Additionally, some of these individuals may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Physical effects: Brain injuries can cause a plethora of devastating physical problems. Some of these problems include fatigue, loss of mobility, insomnia, epilepsy, speech problems, body weakness, and paralysis.
Did You Recently Suffer a Head Injury? Speak to a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
If you have recently suffered a head injury, Connolly Injury Law can help. Our Chicago personal injury attorney will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve and answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
Resource:
cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/data/index.html
