A traumatic brain injury is a sudden injury that can result from a violent blow, bump or jolt to the head. This type of brain injury can result from a fall, car accident, or sports injury among other causes.
Per the latest statistics, about 2.5 million Americans suffer this type of brain injury in any given year. Brain injuries can lead to hospitalizations and even death. Even if the brain injury is not severe, it can still cause long-term effects.
Therapy and rehabilitation can help to reduce some of the long-term effects of a brain injury. Here are five possible long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury.
1. A Decline in Cognitive Function
A common long-term effect of a traumatic brain injury is a decline in cognitive function. A traumatic brain injury can lead to memory problems.
Problems with attention and focus are also common. The decline in cognitive function can lead to confusion, and also lead to distractibility.
2. Speech and Language Effects
Speech challenges are possible long-term effects of a brain injury. People who suffer a traumatic brain injury may experience aphasia. This disorder makes it difficult for persons to understand speech, as well as making it difficult to express ideas.
Rehabilitation in the form of speech and language therapy is used to treat aphasia. The cost of this treatment can add up. Charities such as the Asphasia Charity Appeal seek to raise funds to help pay for this form of therapy.
3. Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Behavioral changes can occur in the brain due to neurological damage. These changes can lead to disinhibition, impulsiveness, and apathy.
Depression affects about half of all people who suffer a traumatic brain injury. Anxiety can arise years after suffering a traumatic brain injury.
Irritability is a long-term behavioral problem, it can cause outbursts of verbal or physical aggression. These long-term emotional and behavioral problems are often treated with psychotropic medications.
4. Effects on Hearing and Vision
A decrease in hearing is possible. Years after a traumatic brain injury, a person can experience ringing in the ears.
Partial or total loss of vision is possible. Blurred vision and problems judging distance are common, as well as experiencing involuntary eye movements.
5. Sensory and Perceptual Effects
The five senses are often affected years after a traumatic brain injury. This can cause issues processing information obtained through the senses. A brain injury can cause a person to feel too hot or too cold.
Distinguishing between touch and pressure sensations is a potential problem. This can make it difficult for a person to have trouble recognizing the feel of a coin.
Long-Term Effects of a Brain Injury
Those who suffer a traumatic brain injury can expect to experience long-term effects, though the possible long-term effects of a brain injury can vary.
Problems with speech and language are common. Emotional and behavioral problems can also arise down the road.
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