Living with a Traumatic Brain Injury

DENVER, CO, February 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) After getting in an accident where you receive a traumatic brain injury (TBI) it can sometimes feel like your world is coming down around you. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may even have trouble communicating right away, which can be very frightening. Unfortunately, approximately 1.7 million Americans receive some form of TBI each year. There are as many ways to receive a traumatic brain injury as there are complications from a TBI and living with the effects can be complicated.

Types and Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury_

A traumatic brain injury can be caused by a variety of incidents, but are most common in automobile accidents. A TBI can occur due to blunt force trauma to the skull. When that force passes through the skull and is transmitted to the brain, the brain takes the majority of damage, which can cause bleeding and swelling that prevents blood flow in the brain and therefore starves the brain cells (neurons) of oxygen. These injuries damage the neurons and can cause a loss of both physical and mental abilities.

The frontal and temporal lobes of your brain are the most vulnerable. These lobes control your decision-making and problem-solving skills. If you have temporal lobe damage, the filter that helps you react appropriately in most situations doesn't always work, causing you to express more irritability and anger. Damage to these areas of the brain also can alter your ability to think clearly and manage your emotions.  Even with a mild brain injury, your short-term memory could be extremely hard to maintain.

Living With a TBI

Sometimes it is possible to regain all your physical abilities following a serious car accident. Recovering from a TBI can take a long time. A head injury can take several years to recover from, and even then you may not regain complete function. Denial and depression can sink in. It is important to know that you can get better. A brain injury requires you to make adjustments that help you relearn the simple processes involved in everyday life.

For some TBI sufferers, it may feel like you are a baby again and are having to relearn everything. There may very well be setbacks but that can be an opportunity to try learning a different way. Your family members and friends will be vital to your recovery, so don't be afraid to ask for help. You may also need professional help to avoid overburdening your family and friends in the wake of your accident.

Asking for help includes contacting an experienced Colorado TBI lawyer to assist in holding liable the people who caused your injuries. You shouldn't have to worry about trying to pay your medical bills or figure out how to make ends meet. Your recovery should be your primary concern. Your attorney will be sure to get the compensation you deserve to cover items such as:

Medical bills
Aides or other supports for your disability
Loss of income
Pain and suffering

There are a wide variety of resources that exist to help you along your recovery. Vocational rehabilitation counselors help you to figure out what you're good at and to help you transfer old skills to a new, productive activity. They help you outline your goals and stick to them.

If you live in Colorado and are looking for an experienced TBI lawyer, please visit Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine online today at http://coloradoaccidentattorneys.com.