In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month this March, Jay and Brent are working to clear up the misinformation surrounding traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). With over 60,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations per year from these TBIs, it’s clear that these injuries need to be taken seriously.
Join our Chattanooga injury lawyers in exploring six of the most prevalent falsehoods associated with injuries to the brain, and find out the truth behind these myths.
- “Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Always Permanent”
While severe TBIs may result in permanent disability or death, many individuals who experience a brain injury are able to recover with the proper treatment and support. In fact, the human brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and heal, even after a significant injury.
Unfortunately, disparities in healthcare and resources can make it more difficult for some individuals to receive the necessary treatment and support, which can have a significant impact on their recovery outcomes.
Recovery from a TBI is a complex and ongoing process. Some individuals may experience a full recovery while others may face continued challenges. However, it is entirely possible for brain injury patients to be able to achieve a significant degree of recovery and return to their daily activities.
- “A Concussion Won’t Have Any Serious Effects”
It is a common misconception that a concussion won’t have any serious effects, but this is far from the truth. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can have significant short-term and long-term effects on a person’s cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning.
While many individuals who experience a concussion are able to recover fully within about six weeks or so, a concussion should never be taken lightly. Even a mild concussion can have serious consequences if left untreated or mismanaged.
Some of the potential effects of a concussion include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to light and noise, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. In some cases, a concussion can also lead to more serious complications, such as post-concussion syndrome, second-impact syndrome, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
- “Impact Is Needed for a Brain Injury To Occur”
A brain injury doesn’t necessarily require a direct impact to the head. While physical impact can certainly cause a TBI, there are many other ways that a brain injury can occur. For instance, a sudden jolt or violent shaking of the body, such as during a high-speed car accident or a sports collision, can cause the brain to collide with the skull and result in a TBI.
Internal injuries can also cause a TBI, such as when a bullet or shrapnel enters the skull and damages the brain tissue.
- “Proving a TBI Is Easy Because It Can Be Diagnosed”
In fact, not all TBIs can be detected through imaging, which is why seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is crucial.
A prompt diagnosis and treatment plan can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the injury from worsening. Even with a diagnosis, though, proving the extent of a TBI can be complex and may involve demonstrating how the injury has affected an individual’s physical, emotional, and social health.
Many TBIs are referred to as “invisible injuries,” as they may not present immediate symptoms or may be overlooked by medical professionals. These injuries can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, and may take time to become evident. These injuries can have long-term implications on the injured person, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life as they once did.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to have a trusted legal advocate as your ally when pursuing damages for your Tennessee brain injury claim. A solid legal defense team can help gather evidence, assess the full extent of your losses, and advocate for your rights in court.
- “Football Players and Other Athletes Are Most at Risk of Brain Injury”
Though it’s commonly believed that football players and other athletes are most at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), this is a myth that needs to be busted. While athletes are certainly at risk, the group most at risk of TBIs are actually adults over the age of 75. In fact, this age group accounts for approximately 32% of TBI hospitalizations and 28% of TBI deaths.
The leading cause of TBIs in general is serious falls, which can occur for a variety of reasons, including mobility issues and environmental hazards. Motor vehicle accidents are also a common cause of TBIs, particularly for younger adults. The reality is that TBIs can happen to anyone, anywhere, and in a number of situations.
It’s important to take TBIs seriously, regardless of how they occur or who they happen to.
- “Symptoms Will Appear the Same for All TBI Patients”
Each TBI patient will likely have a different experience after their injury, and there are several factors that determine how TBI symptoms present.
One of the main factors that influence how TBI symptoms present is the severity of the injury. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries, and each level of severity will have different symptoms and outcomes. Age is also a factor in how the injury will manifest. For example, a child who suffers a TBI may recover quickly but experience developmental delays later on, while an older individual may have a more challenging time recovering if they were already frail prior to the injury.
Regardless of the severity of your TBI, if your injury has affected your life, legal representation can help guide you through the process of obtaining much-needed compensation for injury-related expenses. A free consultation with our Tennessee brain injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options while providing you with the confidence and resources you need to take your life back.
