Automobile accidents account for half of all brain injuries in the U.S. according to Statistics from the Center for Disease Control. A traumatic brain injury occurs when an impact to the head disrupts brain functioning. After a brain injury, the length of recovery varies from person to person and there are many factors that affect the prognosis. Although, the most noticeable improvement happens in the first six months, it is common for a person to steadily improve over a two year period after an injury.
Factors that affect the recovery process include the type and severity of brain injury, the age of person injured, medical history, depth and duration of injured person in a coma.
Recovering from a brain injury is a slow process. In the initial months, it is too soon to determine how long recovery will take. After a year or so one can begin to determine the degree of recovery and resulting impairment, however, every traumatic brain injury (TBI) is different. It is very difficult to determine the outcome of a traumatic brain injury.
The long term effects of traumatic brain injury may include any of the following:
Physical – headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, trouble hearing, loss of balance, dizziness, decreased energy, difficulty walking and using extremities.
Cognitive – memory loss, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions, difficulty with attention.
Behavioral – easily angered, feeling frustrated, acting out without thinking, difficulty in relationships, sleeping more than usual, isolation.
Often, an injured person with a traumatic brain injury learns to work around and cope with any resulting difficulties.
Recovery from a traumatic brain injury is possible. Devon Spence, a determined 10 year old boy from Johnston, demonstrates that it is possible. Devon sustained a skull fracture and lacerations as a result of an auto accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.