After someone is involved in an accident and suffers a severe head injury, they may wonder how long it takes for a traumatic brain injury to heal. Victims tend to make the most progress within the first six months. However, some traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) never heal fully.
Some people can recover from a TBI over time through the use of medication and physical therapy. However, other people will not regain the full ability to function physically and mentally, leaving them with a disabling injury.
Understanding the Severity of a TBI
When trying to determine how long it will take to recover from a TBI, start by looking at the severity of the injury. Someone who has a significant injury will take longer to heal than someone with less severe symptoms in the aftermath of an accident.
The Most Severe Brain Injuries
When someone suffers a severe brain injury, their life will be in danger. Survival may depend on the ability of a doctor to diagnose the TBI as early as possible.
Someone with a severe brain injury may be unconscious or in a coma immediately after the accident. Doctors can try to relieve swelling in the brain to help the victim regain consciousness, though.
Although some TBI victims make a full recovery after a few years, it is more common for a victim with a severe TBI to never recover fully. Some people will end up in a vegetative state, leaving them unable to care for themselves. Others may have debilitating headaches and memory problems, creating a significant reduction in quality of life.
Moderate Brain Injuries
With a moderate TBI, the victim may lose consciousness after the accident for a few minutes. Short-term memory problems will be common, as will severe headaches.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the victim may have periods of confusion when trying to recover from this level of traumatic brain injury. The victim may feel agitated and nervous much of the time, creating stress in their relationships.
Some people can recover fully from a moderate TBI, but it may take a couple of years. More commonly, the victim makes strong progress for several months in the recovery but eventually hits a plateau and ends up with a reduced quality of life.
Concussion
Doctors usually will call a minor TBI a concussion. Some of the symptoms of a concussion, CDC reports, include:
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Problems with balance
- Emotional instability
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
With a concussion, the victim has a chance at a full recovery after a few months. However, no guarantee exists that someone with a concussion will recover fully. The victim may have memory problems or headaches that never seem to alleviate.
Any of these symptoms could leave someone with a slightly reduced quality of life, for which they may be eligible to receive compensation from the party that caused their accident.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Helping with Recovery from a TBI
After an accident with a head injury, a victim should see a doctor as quickly as possible. Some of the techniques used to help with recovery include:
- Rest: Taking time to rest and sleep will provide significant benefits for the brain’s healing process.
- Rehabilitation: A victim may need help with regaining agility, balance, and strength in their limbs, so physical therapy can be important.
- Avoid alcohol: If a doctor prescribes medication, the victim should only take it in the prescribed dosage, and they should avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid another head injury: Additional concussions or TBIs while recovering from a brain injury can be especially dangerous, so try to avoid this possibility.
How Receiving Legal Care Can Help with Recovery
The unfortunate reality is that in regards to how long it takes for a traumatic brain injury to heal, some victims might never return to a completely healthy state. According to Mayo Clinic, doctors have a better chance of successfully treating a TBI when they can diagnose it earlier. However, no guarantees exist that treatment will fully heal accident victims after a TBI.
If someone else caused an accident that resulted in a head injury, the victim might have the right to seek compensation for their:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Reduction in quality of life
Presenting the Facts in the Case to the Insurance Company
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers has seen the results of traumatic brain injuries for our clients over the years. This is an extremely serious type of injury.
We will fight for a TBI victim’s rights and for them to obtain a fair settlement. Insurance companies do not always believe in the severity of a TBI, which means they may limit the settlement offer a victim receives. We will fight to prevent that from happening.
Bringing a personal injury lawsuit after a brain injury can take a long time, but an injured party can count on us to stand by their side throughout the process, representing their interests.
Interested individuals can contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888 for a free consultation.
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