Are There Long-Term Effects to a Mild Brain Injury?

Are There Long-Term Effects to a Mild Brain Injury?

Individuals can sustain brain injuries in a wide variety of ways. In many cases, these injuries are relatively minor concussions that leave no long-lasting symptoms. However, for moderate to severe brain injuries, individuals can sustain long-term effects, particularly if the injury is not properly treated. Here, we want to review possible long-term effects of a mild traumatic brain injury.

What is a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury?

In most circumstances, medical professionals will consider mild traumatic brain injuries to be concussions. However, please do not take this as a diagnosis of your particular situation. Speak to a skilled medical professional who can administer the proper tests to determine the severity of the brain injury. Sometimes, mild TBIs are more than just concussions.

Mild traumatic brain injuries can occur in a wide variety of ways but are typically always caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Please keep in mind that there does not have to be a direct impact on the head in order for a person to sustain a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. A blow to the body without direct head contact can also result in this injury. 

Symptoms That Could Affect Mild TBI Victims Long-Term

There are various types of symptoms that can affect individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries, including physical symptoms, issues with thinking or remembering, as well as social or emotional problems. If not properly treated, these symptoms could become long-term problems. 

• Physical symptoms. Physical symptoms will often manifest within the first few minutes or hour after the initial bump or blow to the head or body. These symptoms can include:
  • Newfound sensitivity to light or noise
  • Dizziness or problems with balance
  • Headaches that are constant or worsen
  • Nausea or vomiting soon after the injury
  • General lethargy
  • Problems with vision
• Problems thinking or remembering. Cognitive problems are certainly something that family members and friends need to be aware of when someone sustains a mild TBI. Some of the most common issues to be aware of include:
  • Issues with attention or concentration
  • Feeling foggy or slower than normal when thinking
  • Issues with short or long-term memory recall
  • Overall problems thinking clearly
• Social or emotional issues. When a person sustains any type of brain injury, their ability to interact with others and their surroundings can be affected. This can manifest as:
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • General sadness
  • Feeling more emotional than normal
  • Newfound irritability or becoming easily angered

In many cases, the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury will not manifest right away. It is crucial for family members and friends of a person who has sustained a bump, blow, or jolt to the header body to be aware of any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary for the individual. Sometimes, the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury will worsen over time, which is why it is crucial to see a doctor right after an injury occurs so they can be on the lookout for any brain injury signs or symptoms. If these signs or symptoms are ignored, the injury could worsen to the point where it leads to irreversible brain damage. Reach out to a Riverside brain injury lawyer today to learn more.