Traumatic brain injuries are a common neurological disease in New Haven, and throughout the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2.5 million brain injuries suffered in 2010, the most recent year for which statistics were available. These injuries generally occur when some outside force causes brain dysfunction; typically due to a blow, jolt or bump to the head. People can suffer traumatic brain injuries as the result of motor vehicle accidents, while participating in sporting events, on the job or due to any other number of accidents and incidents. Regardless of the cause, returning to their everyday activities can be a lengthy process for people who have suffered this type of injury.
Traumatic brain injuries can have a range of symptoms and effects, depending on their severity. In addition to nausea and vomiting, people commonly suffer from such headaches, fatigue and dizziness as the result of these types of injuries. More severe traumatic brain injuries can result in cognitive and mental symptoms, including confusion, slurred speech and, in some cases, even comas. People may also experience dysfunction of their motor skills.
Even for people with mild injuries, their symptoms may return, or worsen, with too much exertion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For this reason, many physicians significantly limit the physical activity of people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury during their recovery. In order to do this, it is often recommended that people return to their normal activities, including school and work, slowly. Additionally, people may need to take regular breaks, daytime naps and get plenty of sleep at night to avoid becoming fatigued.
While for many people, the effects of traumatic brain injuries may subside over time, for others they may be life altering and lasting. In some cases, people may require significant medical treatment immediately following such injuries, as well as ongoing care after. For more information, please visit our wrongful death and catastrophic injury page.
