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Cognitive and financial impacts of traumatic brain injury

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2020 | brain injury | 0 comments

Injuries resulting from an accident, such as a fall or car accident, can lead to mild to severe consequences for personal health. Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBI, are one consequence that can impact cognitive capabilities including thinking, emotion, sensation, and language skills. Unlike some injuries that come with age, TBI impacts everyone, with over half of fall-related TBIs occurring to individuals 0-4 years and 75 years old and older.

Short Term Effects

A single and mild incident can lead to short-term symptoms with no long-term consequences. Concussions, brief and minor changes in consciousness and mental status, and other minor cognitive errors can have short-lived effects. Individuals with mild symptoms usually feel better within a few weeks.

Long Term Effects

A TBI can cause long-term damage or even be fatal. A single incident can increase one’s risk to epilepsy and other severe brain disorders. In addition to cognitive deficiencies, those experiencing multiple but mild TBIs can experience long term and permanent neurological damage. Not only can these injuries leave individuals suffering with life-long disabilities, but they account for about 30% of injury-related deaths in the United States alone.

Individuals personally impacted can find day-to-day living more challenging, such as household chores, personal care, driving, and excelling in academics or the workplace. Interpersonal relationships can be negatively impacted, including relationships with family, friends and co-workers. These concerns can be as challenging for individuals supporting the person with a TBI.

There are often economic and societal costs attached to TBI treatment. In just 2010, the direct and indirect medical costs attributed to TBI treatment was approximately $76.5 billion. Hospital bills account for about 90% of medical costs. These costs become burdensome on individuals and families paying bills. Knowing how to address these costs can be difficult, but impacted individuals may feel better making decisions under an experienced attorney’s guidance.