If you have a traumatic brain injury from a car crash or other accident, you may be wondering how long the symptoms will affect you. The symptoms and long-term effects depend on the severity of the injury.
People with minor TBIs generally get better within days or weeks. Those with moderate or severe brain injuries may have lifelong effects and require long-term treatment.
Long-term effects
Depending on the location of the brain affected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discusses that a brain injury can affect the patient’s relationships, social life and the ability to perform basic daily tasks.
The patient may experience long-term issues in areas such as:
- Senses, such as vision and hearing
- Memory
- Cognitive learning and thinking
- Emotions
- Balance and coordination
- Communication
Most patients will need therapy and rehabilitation to relearn activities and manage certain areas of life.
Ongoing rehabilitation
A brain injury patient may work with a variety of rehabilitation specialists over the course of treatment. Common professionals include physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, neuropsychologists, vocational counselors and recreational therapists. Some patients only require rehab for a few months, while others may need it for the rest of their lives.
Prognosis for those with severe TBI
The University of California San Francisco reports that research shows promise for those with a severe TBI. The study shows that by 12 months post-accident, 50% of those with severe TBI and 75% with moderate severe TBI could independently function for eight or more hours per day, and 19% had no disability at all. Also, all of the patients who had been in a vegetative state regained consciousness by 12 months.
