Traumatic Brain Injury and Social Security Disability Benefits
A traumatic brain injury is usually a very devastating event with consequences that are extremely difficult for victims and their families to deal with. Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is often caused by a violent impact, resulting in brain damage. Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of TBI. As a moving car is forced to stop suddenly, the brain is jolted into the skill, leaving brain cells and nerve fibers with traumatic injuries. Other ways brain injuries can occur are falls, falling objects, sports impacts, shootings, violent crimes, explosions, and blunt force trauma. Bleeding inside the brain is also a major concern with TBI victims and can cause a substantial amount of additional traumatic injuries.
With TBI, there is a large spectrum of effects that can occur, based on the area of the brain impacted and the extent of brain damage. Some TBI victims will be lucky enough to experience only mild, temporary effects, while others will face life-changing or life-threatening complications. From physical to psychological issues, a brain injury can have debilitating consequences. Here is a partial list of the problems TBI patients may face after an accident:
- Unconsciousness or coma
- Amnesia/memory loss
- Headaches/migraines
- Confusion/inability to focus
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Vision problems
- Speech problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Mood swings
- Vomiting/nausea
- Seizures
- Numbness in the extremities
- Agitations/anger issues
- Infection due to skull fracture
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis of the facial muscles
- Sensory loss
- Cognitive problems (thinking, reasoning, problem solving, judgment, multi-tasking)
- Personality changes
- Increased risk of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Disease
Traumatic Brain Injury Treatments
There is a variety of treatments for brain injury, depending on the cause of the brain damage and a patient's prognosis. Anti-seizure meds, diuretics, coma-inducing drugs (to conserve oxygen) and pain control medication are ways to treat TBI. Many brain injury patients will undergo various rehabilitation programs to relearn movement and coordination skills, improve memory, or enhance cognitive abilities. Brain surgery to remove blood clots or repair skull fracture is also an option for some TBI victims.
To find out more about traumatic brain injury, please visit the Brain Injury Association of America. If you are dealing with a loved one's brain injury, let our experienced Social Security disability attorneys handle your Social Security Disability Insurance claim. The Cochran Firm has helped countless families across the country get the Social Security disability benefits they need to make ends meet. Please contact our lawyers today to get honest, straightforward answers about disability benefits.
The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. Please contact The Cochran Firm or fill out the form on this page today to schedule a free review of your claim.
