Brain Injury

While brain injuries often result in some degree of brain damage, it is possible to make a partial or even full recovery. The prognosis for recovery will depend a great deal on the type of brain injury a person has sustained, as well as the severity of the injury. Each situation is unique but, generally speaking, the recovery process for traumatic brain injuries is a long one. Below is a very general overview of how the traumatic brain injury recovery process may look:

• Stage One: Early Recovery – The type and severity of the injury will determine what the first stage of recovery looks like. A person who sustains a concussion will likely pass through this first stage much quicker than someone who suffers a more severe type of brain injury. The early stages of recovery for a traumatic brain injury may involve partial consciousness, coma or a vegetative state. Typically, individuals who suffer moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries will go through some form of confusion and disorientation; the victim may experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems and other early brain injury symptoms. It is not uncommon for recovery to appear inconsistent at this stage. This first stage typically lasts anywhere from a few days to a number of weeks.
• Stage Two: Several Months After the Injury: Most traumatic brain injury victims experience the greatest degree of improvement in the first six months following the injury. During this stage of recovery, the victim may begin to exhibit improvements in memory, concentration, and cognitive function. He or she may also show signs of physical recovery if the injury affected his or her movements. The rate of improvement during this time ranges fairly dramatically from person to person; the reason for this is unknown. However, brain injury victims are strongly encouraged to follow all advice and direction from their doctor(s) in order to possibly improve the degree and speed of recovery.
• Stage Three: Long-Term Effects: Some brain injury victims may continue recovering in the years following the accident; others will show minimal or no improvements as the years progress. Additionally, some traumatic brain injury victims may experience worsening symptoms over time. While it is not fully known why some people recover more fully from traumatic brain injuries than others, we are beginning to learn more about the factors involved in predicting recovery outcomes. In general, those who suffer more severe brain injuries will be less likely to make a full recovery. Furthermore, the length of loss of consciousness/confusion can also be used to predict how much a person will be able to recover.

While it is possible for people to make a full recovery after a traumatic brain injury, both victims and their loved ones should be aware that it is likely going to be a long road to recovery and some individuals will not be able to return to what was once considered a normal life. However, this does not mean that victims cannot still lead full and meaningful lives. Whether you suffered head trauma in a motor vehicle accident or in a slip and fall incident, learn more about how to recover compensation for your brain injury.

If you or a loved has suffered a TBI, call the Justice Injury Law at 502-584-5455 for a free case evaluation with our brain injury attorney in Louisville, KY.