Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Heal?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common type of car accident injury. The healing process varies by person and the severity of the damage.

Many TBIs heal the most within two years from the injury. However, some patients might take years or a lifetime to recover fully. Some brain injuries never heal entirely.

Determining the Severity of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The healing period for a TBI might depend on severity. In any situation, the victim should seek emergency medical treatment for a possible brain injury from a car accident.

A doctor will check the accident victim to assess their situation. The doctor will determine:

• Whether or not the person lost consciousness
• How long the person was unconscious
• Any changes in the person had in speaking, awakeness, vision, or coordination
• Where the head was impacted during the crash
• What hit the person’s head during the accident
• Whether or not the person suffered from whiplash

A doctor might use the Glasgow Coma Scale to check the severity of a brain injury. The scale ranges from three to 15, with lower scores meaning a more severe injury. The doctor might also call for an imaging test like an MRI or CT scan.

Doctors might also check for pressure inside the skull. A TBI can cause brain swelling that might lead to more damage.

The Healing Process for Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs can range from minor to very severe. Mild brain injuries often heal with time, rest, and over-the-counter medicines. However, it’s still important to watch mild brain injuries closely. If symptoms don’t get better or worsen, call the doctor.

It’s best to reduce activity after a mild TBI. A doctor will probably advise less physical and mental actions for a while. Then, the injured person might slowly return to work and other everyday activities.

How Severe TBIs Often Heal

Severe brain injuries can take years to heal and often need rehabilitation. Some will never fully recover but can get better with time.

People with severe TBIs often lose consciousness. It takes a few weeks for bleeding and swelling to decrease. As blood flow to the brain improves, the person might wake up and be able to respond to loved ones.

The healing period for a serious brain injury might also include:

• Disorientation and confusion, often known as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA)
• Trouble remembering things
• Nervousness, frustration, or agitation
• Trouble getting proper sleep
• Seeing things that are not there or jumping at noises

Healing from a TBI has many periods of ups and downs. The person might have behavior that is very different from before the accident. The above stages of recovery can take days or weeks.

The fastest healing usually happens in the first six months of a brain injury. Recovery often gets better in the later stages of TBI healing. The person might have better physical and mental functions and become more like themselves.

Rehabilitation for Brain Injuries

Rehabilitation is very common for those with TBIs. A person might need time to relearn how to talk, walk, or other functions. Most rehabilitation starts in the hospital before moving to an outside facility.

Rehabilitation can include:

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Psychiatrist or psychologist appointments
• Appointments with a social worker
• Language and speech work
• Recreational or vocational therapy

Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries

Many brain injuries need urgent medical care. Moderate or severe TBI can worsen quickly and can become fatal. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment.

Someone with TBI might have other injuries, too. For example, car accidents can leave someone with brain injuries and other damages. Medical care will prioritize the most immediate needs first.

Treatment for brain injuries can include:

• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Surgeries to prevent additional brain damage
• Rest and monitoring of the person’s condition
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

The healing process for everyone is different. Thankfully, most mild brain injuries do heal with time. However, moderate to severe TBIs are more unpredictable.

If you or a loved one suffered a TBI, take action quickly. Get medical attention immediately, and contact your doctor if symptoms stay or worsen.

Your Legal Rights After a Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs are very common injuries in a car accident. If someone else caused your accident, you have legal rights. You might be entitled to financial compensation for your costs.

A brain injury from an accident can lead to damages like:

• Medical treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

A brain injury can change someone’s entire personality. The victim might be unable to return to work. Many victims have to quit or take on a lower-paying job.

You can seek compensation for the costs of your injuries. If another driver caused your car accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. The insurance company should recover the costs of your injuries.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today

A car accident lawyer can help you and your family after a traumatic brain injury. At John Foy & Associates, we know how to fight for maximum compensation after a car accident. Our team is experienced in working with brain injury cases, and each claim is personal to us.

Our lawyers do not get paid unless we win you a settlement or court award. Plus, the consultation is 100% FREE. Reach out today to learn more during your free consultation.

Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.