Study Finds Long-Lasting Symptoms from Traumatic Brain Injuries

Did someone else’s recklessness cause you or a loved one to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? If so, a new research study documenting the long-term effects of a TBI may strengthen your case as you seek compensation for your injury.  

The study, published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, challenges previously held assumptions that traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms last for only three to six months. Such theories have made it easier for insurers to undervalue TBI claims and prevent victims from getting the full and fair compensation they deserve. 

However, new findings suggest that TBI symptoms can persist for as long as a year post-injury. Scientific data can provide strong evidence to support traumatic brain injury claims. 

What the Research Says 

According to researchers, long-term symptoms of TBI are more common than previously thought, with many signs lasting a year or longer. The study included 2,039 people who suffered a TBI within the last 24 hours, a control group of 257 who sustained a traumatic orthopedic injury, and a second control group of 300 with no recent injuries. They asked the participants to rate how 16 common TBI symptoms affected them at intervals for one year. 

Over half of the study participants who had suffered TBIs reported three or more persistent symptoms a year after their injury, with 70 percent reporting at least one severe symptom.

TBIs can result from a range of incidents, including:

• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Domestic violence
• Gunshot injuries
• Explosions 

What are the Long-Term Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?

The most severe and persistent long-term effects of traumatic brain injury may include:

• Poor focus 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Irritability 
• Memory problems 
• Delayed thought process 
• Cognitive difficulties

Can a Concussion Have Long-Term Consequences? 

Concussions, also referred to as minor traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), can cause short-term symptoms and/or lead to long-term neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric conditions. Ongoing research suggests head injuries pose a serious risk of developing into dementia over time, a serious concern given that more than 23 million Americans aged 40 or older report having had a head injury that resulted in the loss of consciousness.

Some people experience post-concussion syndrome, when concussion symptoms last longer than the anticipated recovery period. It’s unclear why some people develop post-concussive syndrome and others don’t. Experts suspect it’s a combination of the physical brain damage and the emotional consequences of the brain injury on the individual.  

Common Neurological Complications of a TBI 

TBIs can lead to long-term health complications, including:

• Memory issues 
• Difficulty retaining new information 
• Seizures/convulsions
• Poor reasoning 
• Speech and language problems 
• Behavioral changes 
• Depression and anxiety 
• Insomnia
•  Alzheimer’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Dementia

Some TBI injury symptoms are immediately apparent at the time of injury. Others may not appear for up to several days or weeks after the injury has occurred. TBI symptoms also may evolve or worsen over time, resulting in unexpected hardships for victims and their families. 

Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Colorado Springs Today

The Colorado traumatic brain injury lawyers at Earl & Earl, PLLC are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve after an accident. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.