Prolonged traumatic brain injuries can cause severe problems

An estimated 1.5 million people in Pennsylvania and across the United States experience a traumatic brain injury each year. Traumatic brain injuries often result from auto accidents, sports incidents, falls at home and work accidents. Though medical professionals have always known that traumatic brain injuries could result in lifelong memory impairment, recent research has revealed that the extent of this damage could be more severe than initially believed.

Chain reaction of damage

When the brain becomes injured, it doesn’t just affect the brain cells that were directly hit during the injury. A study by researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University found that the small numbers of neurons that are injured affect the neurons surrounding them. This creates a chain reaction of damage that can affect the entire neural system, so even a minor injury can cause the entire nervous system to temporarily shut down. Scientists believe that this could explain why some people have severe memory loss after having a traumatic brain injury.

Consequences of traumatic brain injuries

Memory loss is just one of the consequences of the neural system shutting down after an injury. Other consequences of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Dizziness
• Light sensitivity
• Irritability
• Visual-spatial problems
• Frequent headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty in concentrating on tasks
• Tremors
• Sleeping difficulties
• Vulnerability to other neurodegenerative disorders

Getting help after a catastrophic injury

Memory loss and loss of function after a traumatic brain injury can be so severe that they cause long-term health problems. Medical care and extensive therapy may be necessary to treat a traumatic brain injury. Talking with a personal injury lawyer after a catastrophic injury might help you get the compensation you need to pay for your recovery.