When an accident in Chicago causes an individual to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), they may be facing a long road of recovery and treatment. If the negligence or carelessness of another was the cause of that accident, the negligent party may be held legally liable for expenses and damages related to the victim’s injuries.
A Chicago injury attorney will carefully evaluate your case to determine if negligence is what led to your traumatic brain injury. Your attorney can investigate all aspects of your accident in Chicago and help collect the evidence necessary to build a solid personal injury claim.
Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur in even a mild impact car accident in Chicago. When the head strikes an object or is struck during the collision, there can be brain damage that is not immediately evident.
A TBI can be mild and result in a concussion or it can be so severe that it leads to a complete change in personality and brain function, altering an individual’s life significantly.
It may also result in the individual facing a lifetime of treatment, depending on the severity and extent of the brain damage.
One long-term effect of a TBI is post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Unlike a concussion that heals in a short period of time, this condition can last from a few weeks to several years or a lifetime.
Even those who haven’t experienced a concussion may suffer from post-concussion syndrome. This can include symptoms such as headache, vertigo, irritability, difficulty concentrating or remembering, and depression.
Another long-term effect of a TBI is hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal spinal.
This causes pressure in the brain and isn’t always detected right after the initial brain injury. In fact, it is not uncommon for hydrocephalus to be discovered until a few months after the event that caused the injury.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus include behavioral changes, imbalance and difficulty holding urine.
Treatment may require draining the fluid through a shunt. Continue to Next Page >>