St. Louis is a famous city in Missouri, located in the United States. With a growing population, accidents are common here, which can lead to serious injuries, including brain injuries. Brain injuries can change lives in an instant. Whether caused by a car accident, fall, or act of violence, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often brings long-lasting consequences that go far beyond the initial trauma.
In St. Louis, individuals who suffer from TBIs may experience a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive difficulties. While others will recover in due time and with therapy, the majority of them end up with long-term problems.
Life following a brain injury can be overwhelming, especially when the blow is life-altering or severe. This is when the skills of an experienced attorney handling St. Louis brain injury cases become invaluable. These attorneys are able to help victims and their families obtain the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care.
Now let’s take a look at the long-term problems a brain injury victim will face:
1. Cognitive Impairment
Traumatic brain injuries can impact memory, concentration, attention, and reasoning ability. Victims who are injured will struggle to recall directions or instructions and hold them or remember simple items such as the operation of a machine. Cognitive therapy combined with mental exercises can restore brain functions, and cognition can be recovered.
2. Emotional and Behavioral Changes
The majority of victims experience personality changes, mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, or even aggression. The mood swings can be unpredictable and strain interpersonal relations. Early psychological counseling and established routines can go a long way in reducing emotional instability.
3. Physical Limitations
Based on the severity and location of the injury, patients can develop chronic headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or problems with balance and coordination. Severe injuries can cause paralysis, speech difficulty, or muscle weakness, for which physical and occupational therapy are required. Regular physical rehabilitation can increase strength, mobility, and independence in general.
4. Communication Difficulties
Brain injuries can impact a person’s ability to speak, understand language, or read and write. Some victims may also have trouble interpreting social cues, leading to misunderstandings or withdrawal from social interaction. Speech and language therapy can aid in regaining lost communication abilities and social confidence.
5. Sensory Processing Issues
Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch is common. Victims may also suffer from blurred vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or loss of taste and smell. Occupational therapists can help victims adapt to sensory challenges through desensitization techniques.
6. Increased Risk of Neurological Disorders
Long-term brain injury survivors are at a higher risk of developing conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease later in life. Ongoing monitoring and medical care are often necessary. Regular neurologist visits and preventive care can help detect and manage potential complications early.
7. Financial Burden
Medical bills, therapy, assistive devices, and the inability to work can lead to significant financial strain. Many victims require long-term care or assistance, which adds to the economic pressure on both the individual and their family. Exploring disability benefits, legal compensation, and nonprofit support can ease the financial impact.
8. Social Isolation
Because of physical, emotional, or communication difficulties, some victims withdraw from social settings. This isolation can worsen mental health issues and diminish overall quality of life. Joining support groups or engaging in community activities tailored for brain injury survivors can foster connection and reduce loneliness.
