A traumatic brain injury can trigger a lifetime of challenges that may not manifest right away. It could be months or even years before you make the correlation between discomforting symptoms and your accident.
Knowing some of the ways that a TBI could impact your health can help you to respond proactively.
Loss of control
Because a TBI directly affects your cognitive function, an untreated injury can impact your ability to control a variety of factors. According to Psychology Today, some of the more common side effects of a TBI include the following:
- Inability to manage environmental stimuli
- Reduced cognitive abilities
- Loss of coordination
- Lower energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes to your mood
Impaired independence
Physical or mental impairments resulting from a TBI can cause debilitating pain that affects your comfort and concentration. Over time, your symptoms could create challenges in your personal relationships. You may also find that pain prevents you from working and limits your independence. Adjusting to the realization that you need help to do things that you used to do alone can cause depression, uncertainty and stress.
Treatment for a TBI depends on how severe your injuries are, as well as the scope of your pain. Various types of therapy can address specific aspects of your injury to target your recovery. You may need ongoing support for the rest of your life to help you manage your symptoms. With timely intervention and a health care team that effectively assesses and customizes your treatment, you can prevent further injury from happening. Maintain open communication with your doctor so you can adjust your treatment as needed.
