Individuals who suffer moderate or severe brain injuries seldom return to being the person that they once were before they got hurt. They instead experience a wide variety of physical and mental impairments that can last a lifetime. These may reduce an individual’s chances of becoming gainfully employed, make them unable to participate in recreational activities as they once did and even shorten their life.
A study previously published in the Disability and Rehabilitation journal chronicled how individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often struggle to return to work. The study’s authors determined that only one-third of these individuals were still working full-time following their traumatic injury.
Researchers also found that at least 40% of those who’ve suffered severe TBIs report being unable to participate in the recreational or leisurely activities that they once did before they got hurt. Researchers believe that this lack of engagement on their behalf has to do with these individuals experiencing continued physical symptoms and reduced cognitive function. This factor can contribute to their isolated feelings.
Isolation and depression both give way to high suicide rates among individuals that have previously suffered TBIs. Individuals who’ve suffered TBIs also often experience sepsis, pneumonia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), dementia and Alzheimer’s at more significant rates than non-TBI patients.
TBIs are unlike other many other injuries. They’re not visible to others just by looking at an individual. Anyone who deals with someone who has a TBI regularly will assuredly see a decline in their loved one’s cognitive function, emotions and in other areas of their life due to their injury, however.
Occupational and physical therapy, emotional and behavioral counseling and medical interventions may help your loved one return to a semblance of the person they once were before. A brain injury attorney here in Ocean County can help you recover compensation to cover your loved one’s future medical and rehabilitative costs in your New Jersey case.