Why Is It Rare to Make a Full Recovery after a Traumatic Brain Injury?

tel:800-522-6733According to Forbes, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of fatal head injuries among teenagers between 15 and 19 years old. Individuals of any age who survive after sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can expect to face lifelong side effects because undergoing a full recovery is rare.

In addition to car accidents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the most common causes of TBI include:

• Falls
• Being struck against or by an object; and
• Intentional self-harm.

There are several factors that influence the side effects of a TBI, their severity, and how long they last. Such determining factors include the force of the blow, the severity of the injury, and the part of the brain where it occurred.

Because there are so many variables at play when it comes to traumatic brain injuries, there is no set treatment approach or recovery standard; however, healthcare professionals still aim to give some kind of prognosis to the injured individual and his or her loved ones. When diagnosing the extent of a TBI and the likelihood of recovery, a doctor will consider the duration of the coma following impact, the duration of any subsequent amnesia, and the patient’s age.

Although treatments for TBIs have come a long way in recent years, there remain more unknowns than certainties. As a result, many patients end up trying multiple treatments, which can cost a veritable fortune.

If you sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of a reckless driver, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and secure compensation for your medical bills. Demonstrating the extent of your TBI and proving that the other party is responsible for your damages requires extensive evidence, which an injury attorney can help you gather.

An Alexandria injury lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you prove your damages, which might include lost income and non-economic damages. Our law firm has achieved the highest legal rating offered by Martindale-Hubbell—an AV Preeminent rating. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free case evaluation.

How Much Can You Expect to Recover from a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Immediately after the accident, individuals who have sustained a TBI may experience what healthcare professionals call the spontaneous recovery period. During this time, the brain attempts to repair the damaged neurons.

The spontaneous recovery period can last for weeks or even months, and individuals going through it may gradually experience a return of some or all of their faculties as a result. Rehabilitation can help facilitate this recovery and even prompt the brain to retrain healthy neurons so they can take the place of those that were damaged.

At some point, though, spontaneous recovery will end, and progress may slow or cease altogether. Full recoveries are rare following moderate to severe TBIs, and there is no way to predict when an individual will stop progressing.

For that reason, patients and their loved ones should try to limit their expectations when entering rehabilitation. Every TBI recovery occurs at its own pace, and there are far too many factors that influence what that might be to predict it ahead of time.

If you or someone you love sustained a traumatic brain injury after a collision with a reckless driver, turn to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to discuss your case. We have helped accident victims recover more than $200 million in cash settlements and verdicts. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney in Alexandria.