The phrase “traumatic brain injury” covers a wide range of injuries to the brain, all of which can have side effects and long-term effects ranging from mild to severe. Concussions are a commonly-known type of brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head; other types of traumatic brain injuries can be caused by something piercing the skull or from the brain swelling due to trauma. According to the National Institutes of Health, the cognitive problems a traumatic brain injury can cause may linger well after the injury has occurred.
Common problems with cognition, or thinking, that a traumatic brain injury can leave behind include difficulties with memory and speech. Patients who suffer concussions or similar injuries often have trouble remembering the event that caused the injury. As time passes, they may find they also have difficulty making new memories or recalling certain things they used to know. Speech difficulties can also arise, with the injured person having trouble remembering words for things, or trouble putting sentences in their proper order. Physical problems with speaking may also arise due to damage to the parts of the brain that control face and neck muscles or breathing.
Cognitive problems after a traumatic brain injury often require therapy and rehabilitation in order for the patient to recover as much brain function as possible. When an accident occurs, consulting an experienced Indiana traumatic brain injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and seek compensation if needed, so you can better meet the challenges that follow a brain injury.
