A person’s life can change in an instant if they are in an accident and hit their head. This can happen at any moment and in a number of ways such as an accident at work, being in a car wreck or even slipping and falling.
While the symptoms of a head injury typically go away in a few days or so, significant head trauma can result in permanent and irreversible damage. This is what is referred to as a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, so named because trauma impairs the brain’s ability to operate normally. Below are a couple of ways a TBI can affect a person long-term.
Experiencing anxiety and depression is common
The reason for this is twofold; due to the trauma, the changes in the brain can cause the onset of feelings of anxiety and depression. Cognitive changes may leave that person unable to maintain the relationships they used to due to the effects the injury has on their personality. Losing significant relationships as a result can be hard to live with.
Anxiety and depression is also a symptom of the life changes that come with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Not being able to do things you used to do or losing interest or enjoyment in life can be incredibly difficult to come to terms with.
A TBI can cause post-traumatic stress disorder
A life-changing event such as a serious car accident or even an assault can cause people to have flashbacks and horrific, debilitating fear of living everyday life. This is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A TBI can also cause PTSD or something called post-concussion syndrome. A TBI can alter your thinking and behavior, which can make life very challenging. Common symptoms include panic attacks, feeling overwhelmed and dizziness. This is partly because people struggle to distinguish between real threats and perceived danger.
When you suffer a TBI as a result of a car accident, it’s normal to feel angry at the other driver’s negligence. You may get the justice you deserve and the time to recover you need by pursuing a damages payment.