Any injury of the brain can have an impact on physical and cognitive functioning. Some brain injuries (such as a stroke) are caused internally and are referred to as non-traumatic brain injuries, whereas external blows to the head are referred to as traumatic brain injuries.
A brain injury in any form has the potential to be a serious health hazard, so all brain injuries should be taken seriously. For example, a blow to the head doesn’t always cause concern; in fact, concussions are referred to as minor traumatic brain injuries. Still, a concussion can become serious and even lead to death. However, those that don’t lead to death may cause other issues.
Effects Of Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries
The term “non-traumatic” doesn’t suggest that this type of brain injury isn’t serious. In fact, these brain injuries are just as serious as traumatic brain injuries. They cause damage to the brain that prevents it from functioning properly. Here’s a look at some of the things that can cause a non-traumatic brain injury and what effects they have on the brain and the rest of the body.
Abnormalities Within The Brain
Two of the most common abnormalities that can form within the brain are aneurysms and tumors. Aneurysms are bulges in the blood vessels or arteries caused by the weakening of them. Tumors, both cancerous and noncancerous, are abnormal cell growths within the brain. Both have the potential to be deadly, as well as the potential to produce changes in daily functioning.
Infectious Disease
The most common disease that can affect the (brain and spinal cord) is meningitis. Caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, meningitis causes the meninges to become inflamed. The majority of people with any type of meningitis can make a full recovery, but long-term effects include:
- Balance and coordination issues
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Seizures
This is why it’s important to practice good hygiene and get vaccinated against meningitis.
Lack Of Blood Flow To The Brain
A lack of blood flowing to the brain is known as a stroke. Because the brain is a vital organ that controls almost everything in the body, this lack of blood supply can cause serious damage if not treated quickly. Strokes can lead to paralysis, motor issues, difficulty speaking and understanding speech, and trouble swallowing.
Lack Of Oxygen To The Brain
One of the most common incidents that lead to a lack of oxygen to the brain is a near-drowning experience. Near-drowning implies that a person has passed out from drowning, but was saved/revived right before death occurred, which can cause many of the same problems as a lack of blood flow to the brain.
Effects Of A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
As mentioned earlier, a TBI is an outside source that damages the brain by not allowing it to function as it did before. TBIs can be sustained during a number of accidents, including car accidents, falls, and sports accidents. Violent assaults can also lead to a TBI.
The severity of the brain injury can determine the effects, but everyone is different so the same brain injury can look different in different people. TBIs can be ranked in severity as mild, moderate, or severe.
Concussions are considered to be mild TBIs because there is no fracture to the skull or bleeding of the brain. A person with a concussion may also lose consciousness for a few minutes or longer. Even though concussions are considered mild TBIs, they should still be observed carefully. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Changes in thinking/confusion
- Dizziness or trouble keeping balance
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Ringing in ears
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
These are just some of the immediate effects from suffering a concussion and other types of brain injuries, but long-term effects are possible too. These include, but may not be limited to:
- Anxiety/depression
- Blurred vision
- Changes in senses (taste and smell)
- Extreme fatigue
- Getting lost
- Irregular heartbeat
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
The short-term and long-term effects of any type of TBI can be very hard on the one who suffered it and their loved ones. Some TBIs are caused by accidents, while others are intentional. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you get justice after you’ve received a TBI.
Brain injuries have the potential to leave major, long-lasting effects on the people who suffer from them. To help lower your chances of receiving any type of brain injury, it’s important that you take care of your health and follow all safety precautions wherever you go.
