Causes of Head Injuries
An injury to the head can be caused two different ways: either by a direct impact, or by indirect means such as whiplash. Normal brain function is impaired as a result of the impact. Every day head injuries result from pedestrian/vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, but can also occur in other ways. Slips and falls are also a leading cause of head injury . The more serious the injury, the greater the compensation is required for settlement.
A head injury can be life altering. Symptoms are numerous and can be severe or subtle and can potentially influence any aspect of a person’s life. Not only can a person’s ability to work be compromised, but a person’s emotional life can also be severely impacted by a head injury. Some common symptoms of mild brain injuries are: headaches and dizziness, fatigue, difficulty with short-term memory, difficulty concentrating, irritability, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, and emotional volatility.
Symptoms of Head Injuries
Many of the symptoms that result from a mild head injury will be present in a severe head injury. Additional symptoms associated with severe brain injury are: memory loss; reduced cognition; impaired perception; significantly altered behaviour; loss of senses such as smell, taste, sight, or hearing; physical weakness; and sexual dysfunction.
The psychological effects on a person who has suffered a brain injury can be lasting. The impacts can be devastating on a person’s life. Rehabilitation requires very specialized practitioners and sometimes many different specialists may be tried until an effective therapist can be found. The healing process can take months, or even years to conclude while some injuries are permanent. A catastrophic brain injury means a person will require assistance for the rest of their life.