Symptoms & Effects of Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) vary significantly from victim to victim. The symptoms of some relatively minor TBIs can last a few days while severe TBI can leave a victim with permanent disabilities. Some brain injury victims have symptoms that affect their lives for more than a few days but do eventually recover over time with the help of rehabilitative therapy. In such cases, their injury is commonly referred to as “moderate traumatic brain injury.”¹

The symptoms of a moderate TBI do not vary significantly from a mild TBI, though the symptoms last for a longer period of time. Symptoms may also worsen over time, making life increasingly difficult for a victim. The following are some of the most common symptoms of a moderate traumatic brain injury:

• Problems with cognitive skills, including remembering things recently learned, understanding and following instructions, keeping focused on a task or conversation, or being able to process information in an efficient manner.
• Communication issues, including having trouble finding words to express their thoughts, understanding language from others, or difficulty keeping up with the pace of a conversation.
• Differences in behavior and mood, including becoming more easily agitated, difficulty feeling or expressing empathy, severe mood swings, lack of inhibitions, bluntness that can be inappropriate, irritability, lack of motivation, or the inability to control emotions.
• Mental conditions including depression or anxiety, which often arise out of the challenges faced by a victim of moderate traumatic brain injury. Victims may also withdraw from their social circle and avoid social events in an attempt to hide their struggles.
• Physical challenges can include lack of coordination, balance, vision impairments, hearing impairments, trouble with other senses, increased sensitivity or desensitivity, vertigo, slurred speech, and more. Many physical impairments can be particularly difficult for moderate brain injury victims because these impairments can often cause an individual to appear intoxicated when they are actually not.
• Endocrine and hormonal issues, which can lead to less control over bowels or bladder, disturbances in the sleep cycle, loss of appetite or significantly changed tastes in foods, headaches, differences in body temperature regulation, menstrual challenges, and more.

A support system is necessary for victims of moderate TBI

In many cases, a victim with a moderate traumatic brain injury is encouraged to focus not on “recovery” but instead on “improvement.” Symptoms may linger for an extended period of time and a large part of therapy is dedicated to teaching victims how to manage and cope with their symptoms so that they can continue to pursue goals and lead a fulfilling life. A therapy team can include a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, psychologist or psychiatrist, and many more professionals who work together to support the TBI victim during their symptomatic period.

In addition, family and friends should understand what the victims is going through. TBI is often called the “silent epidemic”² because the cognitive and emotional symptoms are not immediately identifiable. For example, if a person who was previously a strong communicator now has trouble putting together a sentence or blurts out thoughts, friends and family may not necessarily associate the change with the injury. This can make it especially difficult for moderate TBI victims to excel at school or work, or even participate in social situations as they once did. The symptoms of this injury can last for months or even years and victims deserve to recover for all of their losses and struggles.

An experienced Tampa Bay brain injury attorney can help you

Traumatic brain injuries can have a substantial effect on a victim’s life whether the injury is minor, moderate, or severe. You should never hesitate to discuss your legal options and rights with an experienced brain injury lawyer who has a thorough understanding of how this injury can affect you. At the Dolman Law Group, our legal team is committed to standing up for the rights of brain injury victims and we will always strive to obtain the maximum possible compensation for your losses. Florida law limits the amount of time you have to file a brain injury lawsuit, so you should not delay in contacting our office as soon as possible to find out how we can assist you. Call 727-451-6900 for a free consultation today.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/brain-injury-attorneys/

References:

¹https://www.uab.edu/medicine/tbi/newly-injured/questions-about-traumatic-brain-injury-tbi/what-is-a-moderate-tbi
²http://www.brainline.org/content/2008/07/brain-injuries-silent-epidemic_pageall.html