Sustaining a brain injury can be a life changing event for people in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Sun City and surrounding areas. When a brain injury occurs, the victim suffers immediate health consequences that will have a profound impact on health. The injury can also result in permanent damage to the brain that has long term implications and significantly increases the risk of serious health issues in the future.

An experienced personal injury lawyer knows that the issue of brain injury has gotten a lot of attention in recent months and that more people are aware of the need to prevent trauma to the head. Still, brain injuries continue to happen and not everyone knows about the lasting consequences. In light of the recent suicide of an Ohio State University football player who may have taken his life in part because of his repeated concussions, NBC News published a comprehensive article highlighting some of the serious risks associated with a bump, blow or jolt to the head.

Brain Injury Has a Serious Impact on Health

Many people do not think of an increased risk of suicidal tendencies as a consequence of brain injury. The reality, however, is that this is one of many possible far-reaching consequences of a traumatic brain injury.

A concussion is the least serious type of trauma to the brain. When you suffer a jolt, bump or any other kind of trauma to the head and you get a concussion, a mini-seizure occurs. The affected part of the brain is shut down in an effort to try to repair the damage that happened. The process of healing can take several days or can take several weeks. Often, some lasting damage remains to the brain and full recovery is not possible.

The immediate symptoms of even a relatively mild trauma to the brain, like the type causing a concussion, can include memory impairment, confusion, and amnesia. Experts caution that there is no such thing as a “mild,” brain injury.

The real problems, however, come when there are more serious blows to the head or when a victim suffers repeated concussions or other head injuries. Long-term effects of a brain injury can include an increased risk of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, post-concussion syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Both CTE and post-concussion syndrome are serious. CTE manifests with symptoms that resemble the medical condition Lou Gehrig’s disease. Post-concussion syndrome typically causes you to experience problems with concentration as well as dizziness.

Patients may also experience a reduction in cognitive function, changes in behavior, impaired judgment, an increased risk of substance abuse and an increased risk of suicide.

Sports are a common cause of repeated concussions, which helps explain why head trauma has been linked to the death of the Ohio State University football player. Other common causes for brain injuries include falls, car accidents and violence. Young children and the elderly are the two age groups most likely to suffer a brain injury. The number of people sustaining brain injuries and seeking treatment has increased in recent years, with a 29 percent increase in victims going to the ER with head trauma in the past four years.

Contact a Phoenix accident attorney at Israel & Gerity after your accident. Call 888-900-3667 or visit https://www.ig-law.com to schedule your free consultation. Serving Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Sun City and surrounding areas.