Brain injuries can be severe as the brain is one of the most crucial organs in the human body. The brain controls all essential functions like memory, mood, and movement. Without proper brain function, even the most simple task cannot be completed. When you undergo trauma to the head, the brain can be damaged. This can lead to short-term and long-term complications, which can range from headaches to degenerative diseases. Common causes of brain injuries are falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, or military injuries. According to the brain injury attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates ” traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) contribute to 30% of all injury deaths.” If you or a loved one experienced a brain injury, it is essential to seek medical treatment to prevent further injury or death.
Untreated Head Injury Symptoms
Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines can occur frequently for head injury survivors. This often results in frequent headaches and migraines that can become worse over time. These headaches can diminish one’s quality, and even with treatment, it is common that brain injury survivors to suffer headaches and migraines.
Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are common in people who have suffered a brain injury. One may experience insomnia and have difficulty falling asleep. Once asleep, one may wake up often throughout the night and experience excessive tiredness during the day. Lack of sleep can result in mental health problems and cause headaches.
Cognitive and Emotional Problems
The problems associated with untreated head injuries are not only physical. Brain injuries can cause severe mental health problems. If one fails to receive medical care, the risk of mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, increases. These issues can lead to aggression, personality changes, and isolation.
Seizures or Epilepsy
It is not uncommon for untreated brain injuries to result in seizures or post-traumatic epilepsy. These symptoms appear immediately after the brain injury for some patients, but for others, it takes months or years for these symptoms to develop. Seizures and epileptic disorders can be terrifying and come on suddenly. These disorders can be permanent for patients, especially for those who show anomalies during brain scans.
Degenerative Brain Diseases
According to scientific studies, people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury have an increased risk of degenerative brain disease. Degenerative brain diseases are diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Professional medical care immediately after an injury can reduce this risk as there are treatments to help heal damaged brain cells and return to normal brain function.
Increased Risk of Death
Any head injury is serious and deserves medical attention. An untreated head injury can result in a higher risk of death, especially if it is a moderate to severe brain injury. Complications such as sepsis and embolisms can arise. Additionally, mental and cognitive problems can lead to severe depression – and extreme cases, suicide.
Any type of brain injury should be taken seriously. The most important thing to do if you are experiencing symptoms of a head injury is to seek medical attention. In order to successfully treat a brain injury, you need treatment from medical professionals. A medical professional can help you manage symptoms and navigate the long-term effects of a brain injury.