Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Worsen Over Time?

A traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, refers to any harm or damage to the brain due to trauma. A victim could suffer a traumatic brain injury in an incident such as a fall, car accident or sports impact. It is extremely important for anyone who experiences a jolt or blow to the head to see a doctor immediately. Even if the symptoms are mild in the beginning, they can worsen over time.

Types of Brain Injuries

The brain is a complex organ. Any type of impact to the skull could lead to a corresponding brain injury. If the impact fractured or punctured the skull, it is an open head injury. If the impact damaged the brain by making it bounce or jolt around inside the skull, it is a closed head injury. Either way, the brain could suffer serious damage. The most frequent TBI diagnoses are:

• Concussion
• Contusion
• Bleeding or hemorrhaging
• Swelling (edema)
• Bruising (hematoma)
• Blood clots
• Penetrating brain injury
• Diffuse-axonal injuries
• Coup-contrecoup injuries

A minor brain injury does not exist. Any degree or type of brain injury is a serious matter that demands immediate medical attention. Each patient will react differently to a traumatic brain injury, making symptoms and effects difficult to predict. In some cases, a victim may notice the symptoms of a brain injury immediately. In others, it may take a few hours or even days for the injury to progress enough to display symptoms.

TBIs and Delayed Symptoms

Although traumatic brain injuries are extremely serious, they do not always show symptoms right away. Bleeding or swelling in the brain, for example, can build up slowly over time, only presenting symptoms when the TBI has gotten severe enough to noticeably affect the patient. A patient with a TBI may notice any of the following symptoms either right away or sometime after the accident:

• Headache
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Memory loss
• Confusion or disorientation
• Mood swings
• Personality changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

The possibility of delayed symptoms – or symptoms that are mild at first and worsen over time –is why it is so important for accident victims to go to a hospital right away after any incident or accident that impacts the head. A doctor can use medical tools such as x-rays and CT scans to search for signs of a hidden brain injury. A prompt diagnosis and professional medical care can make an enormous difference to a patient’s recovery from a traumatic brain injury.

The Long-Term Effects of Living With a Traumatic Brain Injury

The initial symptoms related to a brain injury are not all a victim may have to deal with. TBI victims may suffer permanent changes to their physical, emotional and cognitive functions. How long these symptoms last depend on factors such as the severity and location of the injury, how well the patient responds to treatments, his or her age and overall health at the time of injury, and a history of past head injuries.

Many patients with TBIs make full recoveries after a few weeks of rest and fluids. Those with more severe TBIs, however, may experience symptoms for months, years or life. Some TBI victims may experience exacerbated symptoms over time due to related health complications, such as an increased risk of dementia. Lifelong symptoms or complications can force a TBI victim to pay for many years of medical expenses, including medications, medical devices, rehabilitation and live-in care.

Planning for future medical needs – as well as losses such as lost capacity to earn a living – is something a personal injury lawyer in Houston can help a TBI victim with to ensure a fair financial outcome. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in any type of accident in Texas, contact an attorney for a free legal consultation.