Whether caused by a car accident, slip and fall injury, or another occurrence, TBIs can have lasting consequences on a person’s life. The effects of a serious brain injury are often physical, but they can also take a mental and emotional toll as well. Additionally, some effects may persist long after the initial injury took place.
The wide range of effects is also reflected in the symptoms associated with TBI. While some symptoms are easy to identify, others can be harder to pinpoint, which makes recovery more challenging for brain injury victims.
Physical effects
The physical effects associated with brain injuries impact several different areas of the body. Many people experience gastrointestinal effects immediately after the injury occurs. This can include intense nausea, which may also be accompanied by vomiting. Vision may also be impacted, with some TBI victims experiencing blurriness or hazy vision. Fatigue may also result, which causes victims to feel without energy for even the simplest of tasks.
Emotional effects
An increase of moodiness or odd emotional responses is common when the brain has been injured seriously. People can also express irritability, either due to the injuries or because of the frustration they cause. A feeling of sadness or an increase in worry and anxiety are also common. When these emotional effects impact a person’s life, professional help is recommended.
Cognitive effects
Cognitive effects often have a profound impact on a person’s life, especially when they are prolonged. With TBI, problems concentrating often occur, which can make it difficult to focus at work or school. Depending on the area of the brain that has been damaged, a person may also struggle with remembering new information. Thinking can also become muddled or unclear, which makes it difficult to solve problems or make decisions.