Focus Problems After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Focus problems can be a significant issue following a traumatic brain injury. The brain is a delicate network of neurons that relay information among separate lobes of the brain. These signals are essential for helping individuals focus on everything from school to work and even their daily activities. Some of the most common ways that traumatic brain injuries occur include:
- During contact sports such as football, basketball, and soccer
- Severe motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries from roofs and staircases
- Bicycle accidents
- Serious pedestrian accidents
Many complications could follow the diagnosis of a TBI. One of the most commonly overlooked difficulties involves focus problems.
Focus Problems Following a Head Injury
Focus problems after a traumatic brain injury are a serious issue. Brain injuries can lead to severe problems concentrating which can make it hard to go about the daily routine. Focus abilities are controlled by the lateral cortex of the brain. This part of the brain filters information quickly, allowing individuals to focus on what it is essential. If this part of the brain is damaged, it can make it hard to focus. Some of the reasons why people might have trouble focusing after a head injury include:
- Direct damage to the lateral cortex of the brain
- Severe hunger or fatigue
- Chronic pain, particularly discomfort from recurring headaches
- Prescription medications
- The development of mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety
- Severe mood swings and emotional lability
In some cases, individuals might not even notice that they are having trouble focusing. Fortunately, there are treatment options available.
Treatment of Focus Difficulties
Focus problems after a traumatic brain injury can show up in many forms. Some of the most common symptoms of difficulty focusing following a head injury include:
- A feeling of easy distractibility
- Difficulty following step-by-step instructions
- Problems keeping track of what is being said in a conversation
- Severe issues multitasking
- A feeling of information overload, with extreme problems processing information
- Noticing that routine tasks are taking longer than before
Someone who is noticing these symptoms after a TBI should seek help for focus difficulties. Some of the treatment options include:
- Cognitive therapy can help people train their mind to process information.
- Assistance from mental health professionals who can treat any underlying mental health disorders.
- Stimulant medication such as Ritalin and Adderall that can directly improve focus.
As the brain heals following a serious injury, focus problems should improve. The therapies discussed above can help individuals focus in the meantime.
Watch YouTube Video: Stay Focused. This animated video provides eleven psychological tips to help you stay focused.
Help from a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
After a serious accident, particularly one that involves a TBI, families need to make sure that they ask for help. It’s a good idea to meet with a Rancho Cordova brain injury lawyer. An experienced injury attorney can review accident records and help families pursue damages that could help during the recovery process. You and your loved ones could be owed a sizeable financial award.
Rancho Cordova Brain Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova Brain Injury Lawyer. Focus problems that occur following a traumatic brain injury can have severe impacts on employment retention, school performance, and even personal relationships. If your family member has developed severe complications after a traumatic brain injury, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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