In the United States, TBI is a major cause of death and disability. The CDC reported more than 69,000 TBI-related deaths in 2021 alone. And for those who survive, the journey forward can be filled with new, difficult challenges.
Unfortunately, these aren’t just temporary issues that go away with time. A moderate or severe TBI can affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and functions for the rest of their life. If you or someone you love is going through this, it’s important to understand what’s ahead and to know that help is available.
It’s never too early to reach out to experienced TBI lawyers in your area if your injury happened due to someone else’s negligence. The support they provide can help you focus on your recovery without getting lost in the overwhelming medical and financial stress that often follows.
Here are the ways life is affected if you ever suffer a TBI:
The Brain Doesn’t Always Fully Recover
When the brain gets hurt, it does try to heal itself. But just like a scar that never fully fades, the brain might not go back to exactly how it was before. That’s especially true with moderate and severe TBIs. These kinds of injuries increase the risk of long-term cognitive problems.
In fact, studies have found that people with a history of moderate TBI have over twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. And for those with severe TBI, that risk jumps even higher to about four and a half times greater than people without a brain injury.
TBIs Can Shorten Life Expectancy
Unfortunately, surviving the initial injury doesn’t mean the danger is over. A study based on the largest long-term TBI database found that about 1 in 5 people who suffer from a TBI die within five years of their injury.
And even for those who survive, their average life expectancy drops by around nine years. Several factors can increase the risk of dying earlier after a TBI.
These include being older, being male, being unemployed or unmarried, having a more severe injury, or having less education. People who were injured in falls are also at a higher risk.
The Disability Can Be Lifelong
Even after receiving inpatient rehabilitation, many TBI survivors still struggle years down the line. More than half are moderately or severely disabled, meaning they can’t do many everyday activities on their own.
The disabilities caused by TBI depend on how badly and where the brain was injured. Some people struggle with walking or moving properly. Others lose parts of their vision or hearing.
Some may find it hard to speak or understand language. Memory, attention, and problem-solving can also take a big hit. Then there are the emotional and behavioral changes, which can be the hardest to deal with, both for the victim and for their loved ones.
People with TBIs might suddenly cry, get angry without warning, or laugh at the wrong time. They might avoid others, say inappropriate things, or act restless and unmotivated. These behavior changes can make it harder to keep relationships, hold a job, or just feel like yourself again.
The Financial Toll is Enormous
TBI isn’t just emotionally and physically overwhelming; it’s also financially draining. In 2010, the CDC estimated the total cost of TBI in the U.S. was about $76.5 billion. And it’s likely even higher today.
The costs start right after the injury from the emergency care, hospital stays, and surgeries. Then come the months or years of therapy, rehab, doctor visits, and maybe even home modifications or mobility aids.
Some survivors need lifelong help from caregivers. On top of that, many people can’t return to work, meaning they lose income while expenses keep piling up. The Brain Association of Missouri estimates that the average cost of care for a TBI patient in the first year alone is about $151,000.
Conclusion
A traumatic brain injury doesn’t need to look dramatic to be life-altering. One moment, you’re fine, and the next, everything changes.
Whether it’s from a fall, a crash, or a blow to the head, a TBI can damage the brain in ways that affect a person for the rest of their life. Treatment for a TBI is costly and extensive, so if your TBI has been caused by someone else, the law would support your decision to go after them and seek compensation.
