The Causes and Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries pose so many difficulties in North Carolina that the state has established a special Brain Injury Advisory Council to study the effects and causes of these injuries and to develop services for those who suffer the effects. Many times, traumatic brain injuries show few if any external signs, so it is not always obvious when someone has incurred a serious injury that could have a tremendous impact on their life. It is a good idea for everyone to understand the causes and effects of these injuries to reduce the potential for them, prevent cumulative re-injuries, and ameliorate their effects.

It is also important for someone diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, as well as their loved ones, to understand the needs they may experience going forward. These needs are often underestimated and that can lead to problems and deficiencies in the future. 

In personal injury cases  where a victim is offered a settlement, the cost of future needs must be factored into the calculation to determine whether the settlement is adequate. It is wise to work with an attorney who understands how to document the costs of future medical care and personal assistance, as well as potential loss of income resulting from the injuries. Once a settlement is accepted, it is not possible to go back to seek additional resources, so it is critical to assess the needs correctly the first time.

How a Traumatic Brain Injury is Defined

North Carolina lawmakers have defined a traumatic brain injury or TBI as an injury to brain matter that:

• Is caused by an external physical force
• Leads to functional disability (total or partial) or psychosocial impairment
• Is not congenital or degenerative

According to the definition, a traumatic injury can be either open or closed. An open brain injury involves a skull fracture. It may be caused by an object penetrating the skull, such as when a piece of a crumpled car dashboard pierces the skull in a collision, or an open injury could be caused by severe blunt force against the skull.

Someone suffering from a traumatic brain injury may or may not lose consciousness at the time of the impact. While a traumatic brain injury often results from a single event, such as a fall or motor vehicle crash, it can also be the result of the cumulative effect of a series of lesser brain injuries.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in North Carolina

Any time someone is hit by an object in the head or their head collides with another surface such as the ground or a door, the force of impact can injure the brain. TBIs often occur because of:

• Collisions involving trucks, cars, and motorcycles
• Falls in the workplace, such as from scaffolding or a roof
• Acts of violence, particularly those involving the use of firearms
• Contact sports
• Being struck by a vehicle while walking or riding a bicycle
• High-risk recreational activities such as rock climbing
• Impact by heavy objects or equipment, particularly on construction sites

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury sometimes do not appear until some time has passed. In many cases, it is not until swelling or bleeding in the brain puts pressure on brain tissue that symptoms start to develop. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often dismissed, allowing the damage to increase significantly. It is important for anyone who has been in an accident to seek immediate medical assistance if they notice symptoms such as blurred vision, vomiting, seizures, persistent headaches, weakness in the extremities, or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears.

The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Damage to the brain can be focused in one area or spread across a wide area. Widespread damage to white matter in the brain is referred to as a diffuse axonal injury. These types of injuries, which commonly occur in motor vehicle accidents, disrupt communication between nerve cells in the brain. In addition, diffuse axonal injuries often cause the release of chemicals that can lead to further brain damage. These injuries often involve a long recovery period and may prove to be permanent.

When a blood vessel bursts in or around the brain, it causes bleeding known as a hematoma. If the bleeding occurs in the area between the dura mater and the skull—known as an epidural hematoma—the condition is extremely serious. Even when an injury is less severe, however, it can interfere with employment, relationships, and practical skills such as preparing dinner or driving a car.

Cognitive Effects

TBIs often make it difficult for accident victims to think, learn, and remember information in the way that they did before the injury. This can not only interfere with the ability to work, but also the ability to manage tasks of daily living. These limitations can be extremely frustrating and lead to depression.

Behavioral Effects

In addition to cognitive problems such as post-traumatic amnesia and other memory difficulties, a TBI can cause changes in behavior and personality. The injury can cause someone to become unusually impulsive, irritable, or aggressive. They may struggle to persevere and complete tasks that were once easy.

Physical Effects

Often, the only outward signs of a traumatic brain injury are revealed in physical effects. This could include difficulty with muscle control throughout the body or impaired speech, vision, or hearing. After a TBI, an accident victim may lose their sense of balance, suffer from weak or spastic muscles, and be plagued with headaches, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.

Communication Challenges

A TBI can negatively impact communication because it can impair coordinated cognitive, emotional, and behavioral abilities. After a TBI, an accident victim may have difficulty understanding the meaning behind a statement, or they may struggle to express their own thoughts and opinions.

Martin & Jones Understand the Long-Term Needs of Those with TBIs

A traumatic brain injury to one member of the family can forever change the dynamics of the entire family. It is important for everyone to be aware of the long-term impacts and to plan for adaptations.

While dealing with any injury can be costly, the effects of the traumatic brain injury are often far more expensive than families expect. If someone in your family has suffered a TBI in an accident at work or in a situation caused by someone’s irresponsible behavior, you may be able to recover resources to meet the needs of the future. But it is important to learn about your legal rights and how to protect them as soon as possible. We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the experienced legal team at Martin & Jones to learn how we may assist with the process. Just call us at 800-662-1234 or contact us online to get started.